LOS ANGELES — As Kobe Paras waits for an opportunity to break out in Division 1 basketball, he's content being on the sidelines working on all facets of his game.
And, on occasion, being his team's best hype man.
Paras paid a visit to Cathedral High School in Los Angeles to give a motivational talk to its current players.
Paras, now in his first year at Creighton University, has seen limited action in the NCAA, playing only 7 of 12 games and totaling just 12 points and eight rebounds while averaging a shade below 7 minutes per game.
But the 19-year-old is looking at the bigger picture.
"Balance stuff not just school but in your life," he said. "It makes no sense to look at things negative you just gotta stay positive as much as you can."
Creighton is ranked 9th in the Division 1 based on USA Today's coaches' poll and, with a 12-0 win-loss record, currently shares the lead in the Big East conference with defending national champion Villanova.
Paras said his team's success takes precedence and his chance to step into the limelight will come.
"It's a process. We're No. 9 in the nation right now so I can't complain. We're doing everything we can. Coach Mac (Greg McDermott), he's a great coach. I really appreciate him a lot and we talk a lot. He said to just trust the process because every freshman is gonna go through this," Paras said.
Paras isn't the only first-year Bluejays guard who has adjusted his role for the good of his team.
Omaha.com wrote a feature on Davion Mintz, who has had a similar journey to Paras.
Paras said: "There's going to be elite freshmen like one-and-done go straight to the league (NBA) but, for me, it's a different situation. So I'm just trying to be as positive as possible try to be the best teammate out there."
When his number is called, Paras has shown flashes of brilliance.
Freshman guard Kobe Paras went 3-for-4 from the field tonight & scored a career-high six points #GoJays #Creighton https://t.co/7wPgNPADA4
— Creighton Basketball (@BluejayMBB) December 10, 2016
When he's on the bench, he keeps his teammates' energy flowing constantly with his unique brand of cheerleading.
That feeling you get when you're done with finals!!!@Jordan_S09 @Sniper4_ @MartinKrampelj @Mintzy_10 pic.twitter.com/3qoCOBoIew
— KoKo Wave (@_kokoparas) December 15, 2016
Marcus Foster out here turning Kobe Paras into a zombie… #GoJays #Creighton #TakeFlight pic.twitter.com/AuKS879s4c
— Creighton Basketball (@BluejayMBB) November 30, 2016
Creighton's next game is on Wednesday (Thursday, Manila time) against Seton Hall, before the Bluejays close out the year against co-Big East leader Villanova on New Year's Eve Saturday (Sunday, Manila time).
(For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website.)
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