Will Andre Paras Get Drafted in the PBA? Latest Updates and Expert Predictions

The scent of sweat and polished hardwood floors always takes me back to my first PBA game back in 2015. I remember squeezing past knees in the upper box section, cold hotdog in hand, watching these giants move with a grace that defied their size. That’s the magic of the draft for me—it’s not just about stats; it’s about potential, about that raw, unpolished talent stepping into the spotlight. And this year, one name keeps buzzing through the sports bars and online forums, a question on everyone’s lips: Will Andre Paras get drafted in the PBA?

I was just scrolling through my phone yesterday, catching up on the Rain or Shine and TNT semifinal series. Rain or Shine still trails TNT in their best-of-seven series, 2-1, but is looking to level things up in Wednesday’s Game 4 at the Mall of Asia Arena. It’s a pivotal moment, a real gut-check for that team, and it got me thinking about team dynamics and the gaps that franchises are always trying to fill. See, when you're down in a series like that, you start noticing what’s missing—maybe a bruising big man for rebounds, or a high-energy player to change the momentum off the bench. That’s where the draft speculation heats up. Teams aren’t just picking players; they’re picking pieces to solve puzzles, and Andre Paras is one of the most intriguing pieces this year.

Let’s be real here—I’ve followed Andre’s journey since his UAAP days, and I’ll admit, I’m a bit of a fan. He’s got that famous last name, sure, but he’s carved out his own identity with hustle and heart. I watched a clip of him dominating the paint in a PBA D-League game last month, and the way he bodied up against older, more experienced players? It was impressive. He’s not the flashiest scorer—he averaged around 12.5 points and 9 rebounds in his last collegiate season, if I recall correctly—but he brings a physicality that you can’t teach. In my opinion, that’s exactly what some PBA teams are starving for right now. Think about it: in a league where guards often dominate the headlines, a reliable big man who can defend, set solid screens, and clean the glass is pure gold.

But here’s the thing—the PBA draft is as much about timing and fit as it is about talent. I remember chatting with a scout friend over coffee last week, and he mentioned that around 65% of drafted players in the last five years came from positions of need for the selecting teams. For Andre, his chances might hinge on who’s picking and what their roster looks like post-season. With Rain or Shine fighting to stay alive against TNT, they might be eyeing reinforcements. If they fall short, could they use a young, energetic forward like Paras to bolster their frontcourt? Absolutely. Other teams lower in the draft order might see him as a steal, someone to develop into a key role player. From my perspective, his work ethic and pedigree give him a solid shot, maybe a 70% chance of getting picked in the second round, but it’s not a guarantee.

Of course, there are doubters. I’ve seen the comments online—people questioning his consistency or if he can keep up with the PBA’s speed. Honestly, I think that’s a bit unfair. Every rookie has adjustments to make; I mean, look at some of the legends who started slow. What Andre might lack in finesse, he makes up for with intangibles. I recall a game where he played through a minor ankle sprain and still grabbed 10 rebounds—that’s the kind of grit that wins over coaches. In my view, if he lands with a team that values defense and rebounding, he could become a fan favorite in no time.

So, as we gear up for more playoff drama and the draft approaches, I’ll be keeping a close eye on Andre Paras. Whether he gets that life-changing call or not, his story is a reminder of why I love this sport—the dreams, the uncertainties, the sheer human effort. Who knows, maybe in a year or two, I’ll be writing about his first double-double in the pros, smiling as I remember all this speculation. For now, though, the question lingers, a tantalizing mystery in the heart of every PBA enthusiast: Will Andre Paras get drafted in the PBA? We’ll just have to wait and see, but my gut says he’s got a real shot.