Benjie Paras

Benjie Paras

Paras playing at the 2010 NBA Asia Challenge held at Araneta Coliseum
Personal information
Born	(1968-10-02) October 2, 1968 (age 48) Manila, Philippines
Nationality	Filipino
Listed height	6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)
Listed weight	220 lb (100 kg)
Career information
High school	San Beda College
College	University of the Philippines
PBA draft	1989 Round: 1 / Pick: 1st overall
Selected by the Formula Shell
Playing career	1989–2003
Position	Center
Career history
As player:
1989–2002	Shell Turbo Chargers
2002–2003	San Miguel Beermen
As coach:
2012–present	San Beda Red Lions (NCAA) (assistant)
Career highlights and awards
2x PBA MVP (1989, 1999) PBA Rookie of the Year (1989) PBA Slam Dunk Team Co-Champion (w/ Elmer Lago) (1995) PBA Comeback Player of the Year (1999) 5x PBA Mythical First Team (1989–1991, 1995, 1999) 3x PBA Mythical Second Team (1992, 1994, 1996) PBA All-Star (1989–1992, 1994–1999) PBA All-Star Most Valuable Player (1994, 1999) Only PBA Player to win the Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year at the same time
Medals Men’s Basketball Representing  Philippines Asian Games 1990 Beijing Team competition

Venancio Johnson Paras, Jr. (born October 2, 1968), better known as Benjie Paras, is a Filipino actor and a retired professional basketball player who played for Shell Turbo Chargers and San Miguel Beermen of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). He is the only PBA player to win both Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player honors, in a single season (1989). As its star center, Paras led the Shell Turbo Chargers to championship titles. He is also an assistant coach for the San Beda Red Lions.

Drafted by the Shell Turbo Chargers in 1989, Paras, aptly nicknamed "The Tower of Power", played in the PBA with ball-handling, powerful rebounding, deft mid-range shooting, well-timed shot blocks and the uncanny ability for inside scoring. Although Shell 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. Paras, as of 2015, is the only PBA player to have done this feat.

In 1990, Paras would lead Shell to their first Open Conference title by defeating Anejo Rhum in a championship series that finished in 6 games, the climax featured a walk out by Anejo players. In 1991, Shell and Ginebra would meet again in the Finals of the Reinforced Conference. Paras and the Turbo Chargers seemed poised to beat the Gins once again after taking a commanding 3-1 lead, but the Gins made a dramatic rally and coming back from the 3-1 deficit and winning the title in a classic Game 7 encounter that featured Rudy Distrito's game winner.

Paras was also selected to play in the 1990 Asian Games Basketball Team that won the silver medal, coming up short against China in the gold-medal match.