What to Expect From Andre Paras in the PBA Draft This Season

You know, when I first heard Andre Paras was entering the PBA draft this season, I immediately thought back to watching his father Benjie dominate the paint back in the day. There's something special about legacy players coming into the league, and I've been tracking Andre's journey closely. Let me walk you through what I believe teams and fans should realistically expect from him based on what I've observed. First, understand that Andre brings a different kind of energy compared to other prospects. Having watched numerous UAAP games and his MPBL stints, I'd say his greatest asset isn't necessarily flashy stats but his basketball IQ and understanding of positioning. He's not the type who'll give you 25 points per game - let's be realistic here - but he understands defensive rotations better than most players his age. I remember one particular game where he had four blocks without jumping excessively, just by being at the right place at the right time. That kind of instinct you can't teach.

Now here's where it gets interesting - teams need to consider how he'd fit into their system. From what I've seen, he'd thrive best in a structured system rather than a run-and-gun offense. His post moves have improved significantly over the past two years, though I'd still rate his hook shot as average compared to established PBA big men. What surprises me is his passing ability from the high post. I've counted at least three games where he had four or more assists, which is unusual for someone his size. Teams drafting him should consider using him as a secondary playmaker in half-court sets. Defensively, he needs work on guarding quicker forwards - I noticed he tends to get beaten off the dribble when switched onto smaller players. But his help defense is actually above average. He averaged about 1.8 blocks per game in his final college season, though I suspect that number might dip slightly against PBA competition.

The timing of his entry reminds me of current playoff dynamics. Look at the Rain or Shine-TNT series - Rain or Shine trails 2-1 but is looking to level things up in Wednesday's Game 4. This illustrates how teams constantly need to balance immediate needs versus future development. A team like Rain or Shine might look at Andre as someone who could develop behind their current big men, while a rebuilding franchise might give him more minutes immediately. Personally, I think he'd benefit from playing 15-18 minutes per game initially rather than being thrown into the deep end. His conditioning needs to improve - I've seen him gassed in fourth quarters of close games, which won't fly in the PBA where games are more physically demanding.

What really stands out to me about Andre is his work ethic. I've spoken to several trainers who've worked with him, and they consistently mention his coachability. He's the type who'll stay after practice working on specific moves repeatedly until they become second nature. However, his free throw shooting remains a concern - he's shooting around 65% based on the last season I tracked, and that needs to improve to at least 75% for him to be effective in crunch time. Teams should consider having him shoot at least 200 free throws daily during practice. Another aspect I appreciate is his screening ability. He sets solid picks and understands when to roll versus when to pop out, something many young big men struggle with. I'd estimate his screen assists would be around 3-4 per game if properly tracked.

When we talk about What to Expect From Andre Paras in the PBA Draft This Season, we need to be realistic about his ceiling. I don't see him becoming an MVP candidate, but I firmly believe he can be a reliable rotation player who contributes to winning basketball. His basketball heritage gives him an understanding of the game that statistics can't measure. He knows what it takes to be a professional, having grown up around the sport. The team that drafts him should focus on developing his mid-range jumper - I've seen him make them in practice but he hesitates in games. If he can become consistent from 15 feet, that would open up his game tremendously. Also, he needs to add about 10-15 pounds of muscle to battle with PBA veterans in the paint. I've noticed he gets pushed around sometimes when matched against stronger opponents.

Looking at how the PBA landscape is shaping up, with teams like TNT and Rain or Shine battling in intense playoff series, Andre brings the kind of playoff-ready mentality that coaches love. He doesn't get rattled easily - I recall a game where he missed three straight shots but came back with a crucial offensive rebound and putback. That mental toughness is invaluable. His rebounding numbers should translate well to the pros - I project him averaging around 6-7 rebounds in his rookie season if given consistent minutes. What worries me slightly is his foul tendency - he averaged about 3.2 fouls per game in college, which might increase against craftier PBA veterans. He'll need to learn to defend without using his hands excessively.

Ultimately, when considering What to Expect From Andre Paras in the PBA Draft This Season, I'd tell fans to be patient. He's not going to set the world on fire immediately, but he has the tools to develop into a solid professional. I'd compare his potential development path to someone like Marc Pingris early in his career - not exceptionally skilled initially but grew into his role through hard work and understanding his limitations. The team that drafts him needs to have a clear development plan rather than expecting instant results. Personally, I'm excited to see how his story unfolds - there's something compelling about legacy players carving their own path while honoring their family's basketball heritage. He represents both continuity and new beginnings in Philippine basketball, and I believe he'll surprise many doubters once he finds his footing in the league.