"I'm proud of what he (Kobe) he has achieved," said Benjie Paras, who emerged the league's first and only rookie MVP in 1989 before winning another MVP trophy exactly a decade later, in Thursday's briefing at the VIVA Communications office at the Tektite Building in Ortigas, Pasig. 

Reminiscing Kobe's past interviews, it's very obvious who his inspiration and influence was. It's none other than his father Benjie Paras "The Rookie from UP". Although his (Benjie Paras) team did not win any titles that season, these abilities overshadowed even the most skilled of players and because of these he not only took Rookie of the Year, but also became its Most Valuable Player. Benjie Paras was the only PBA player to have done this feat. Kobe said he owed everything to watching old videos of his father during his playing days, which gave him the advantage and interest in the field of basketball. 

MY FATHER. MY INSPIRATION.

GALLERY

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