Benjie Paras, 1989 PBA MVP-Rookie of the Year recently grace the annual Dream Hoops Spring tournament held in St. Patrick’s Secondary School gym.
Paras, together with Jude Roque, coaching staff of San Beda Red Lions in the NCAA in Philippines, stayed in Vancouver for a couple of days to watch the games held every weekend.
The presence of ex-PBA cager nicknamed “Tower of Power” was made possible through the invitation of Dream Hoops founder Nap Santos.
Santos, played briefly for Letran Knights in the late 90’s before migrating in Vancouver in the early 2000.
Paras was impressed by the number of participants who join the annual tournament, aimed to provide opportunity to all the kids to play the game they love most.
Paras himself was a product of the defunct Milo BEST basketball academy in the Philippines for the young ones during his childhood years.
Not only, that Paras also pays visit to some of the Filipino restaurants here in Vancouver, specifically Pin-Pin Restaurant in Fraser St.
“I would like to thank personally Mr. Paras for accepting my invitation and to all the boys who showcase their utmost skills in basketball to entertain the latter.
The Dream Hoops Academy started in 2013 and since then gained attention especially high school students in the Lower Mainland.
The finals were held over the weekend followed by the awarding ceremony. A sort of celebration party occurred during nighttime that was well attended by the participants, families and friends.
