As I sit here watching Rain or Shine struggle to close the gap against TNT in their semifinal series, I can't help but think about the upcoming PBA draft and one particular name that keeps resurfacing in basketball circles - Andre Paras. The current series stands at 2-1 in favor of TNT, with Rain or Shine desperately trying to level things up in Wednesday's Game 4 at the Mall of Asia Arena. This context matters because teams like Rain or Shine, despite their current playoff battle, are already scouting for fresh talent to bolster their rosters for future seasons. Having followed Philippine basketball for over fifteen years, I've seen numerous draft prospects come and go, but Andre brings something uniquely compelling to the table that deserves deeper examination.
What fascinates me about Andre isn't just his famous lineage - being the son of PBA legend Benjie Paras - but how he's carved his own path while embracing that legacy. I've watched him develop from his UAAP days with the UP Fighting Maroons to his current stint in the PBA D-League, and there's a rawness to his game that reminds me of early versions of his father. Standing at 6'4" with a wingspan that measures approximately 6'7", he possesses the physical tools that make scouts take notice. His statistics in the PBA D-League last season - averaging around 12.8 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game - don't tell the whole story. What those numbers miss is his basketball IQ, something I believe he inherited from growing up around the game. I've spoken with several coaches who've worked with him, and they consistently mention his understanding of spacing and defensive positioning as being beyond his years.
The timing of this draft feels particularly significant given what we're witnessing in the current PBA semifinals. Rain or Shine's frontcourt has shown some vulnerability against TNT's big men, and I wouldn't be surprised if they're considering Andre as a potential solution. Their current rotation of big men averages about 28.3 minutes per game, but they've been outrebounded in two of the three games against TNT. This creates a genuine opportunity for someone like Andre, who could provide immediate rebounding help and interior defense. From what I've observed, his shot-blocking timing has improved dramatically over the past eighteen months - he's increased his blocks per game from 0.8 to 1.4 during that period. These might seem like small improvements, but in the PBA, where games are often decided by two or three possessions, these marginal gains can make all the difference.
What sets Andre apart in my view is his mental approach to the game. I remember watching him during a crucial D-League game where his team was down by five with under two minutes remaining. Instead of forcing shots, he focused on setting solid screens, boxing out aggressively, and making the right defensive rotations. They ended up winning that game, and while he didn't score the final basket, his plus-minus of +13 told the real story. This kind of winning mentality is exactly what teams like Rain or Shine need as they battle through tough playoff series. The current semifinals have exposed how important role players are in championship runs - it's not always about the star scoring 30 points, but about players who understand their limitations and maximize their strengths.
There are areas where Andre needs significant work, and I'm not going to sugarcoat it. His outside shooting remains inconsistent - he's shooting approximately 28% from three-point range in the D-League, which won't cut it against PBA defenses that are quicker and more disciplined. His free throw percentage hovers around 65%, another concern that needs addressing. But what gives me confidence about his potential improvement is his work ethic. Multiple trainers I've spoken with describe him as the first to arrive and last to leave practice sessions. This dedication reminds me of how his father transformed his game throughout his PBA career, adding new elements each season.
The business side of basketball also plays into Andre's draft prospects. His marketability is undeniable - the Paras name carries weight with both older generations who watched his father dominate and younger fans who've followed Andre's journey through social media. Teams recognize that drafting him brings immediate media attention and potential sponsorship opportunities. In today's PBA, where financial sustainability matters as much as on-court performance, this factor cannot be overlooked. I've seen estimates that his jersey sales could reach around 15,000 units in his rookie season, which would place him among the top five in merchandise sales.
Looking at the broader context of Philippine basketball, Andre represents a bridge between different eras. His game combines old-school post moves with modern defensive versatility that today's positionless basketball demands. As teams increasingly value switchable big men who can defend multiple positions, his mobility at his size becomes particularly valuable. The way the game has evolved - evident in how TNT and Rain or Shine are deploying their big men in the current semifinals - favors players with Andre's skill set. Teams are asking their big men to do more than just camp in the paint, and from what I've seen, Andre's comfort level operating away from the basket has grown substantially.
My prediction is that Andre will be selected somewhere between picks 4 and 8 in the upcoming draft. While he may not be an immediate star, I believe he can contribute meaningful minutes from day one, particularly as a defensive specialist and energy player off the bench. His ceiling will depend on how quickly he can develop a reliable mid-range game and improve his free throw shooting. But given his bloodlines, work ethic, and basketball intelligence, I'm more optimistic about his prospects than I have been about many other second-generation players who've entered the league. The PBA needs compelling stories like Andre's - not just for nostalgia's sake, but for the genuine talent and potential he brings to help teams like Rain or Shine in their future championship pursuits.
