Benjie Paras
PBA basketball player, versatile center, actor
Benjamin "Benjie" Paras (born March 13, 1965) is a retired Filipino professional basketball player and actor who became one of the most dominant centers in Philippine Basketball Association history. Playing primarily for the Crispa Redmanizers and later other PBA teams, Paras was renowned for his exceptional athleticism, shot-blocking ability, and versatility on the court. He earned multiple All-Star selections and was instrumental in several championship campaigns during the competitive 1980s and 1990s era of Philippine basketball. Beyond the hardwood, Paras successfully transitioned to entertainment, appearing in Filipino films and television shows, demonstrating his charisma and cross-cultural appeal. His combination of basketball excellence and entertainment success made him a significant cultural figure in the Philippines. Paras is also known for his sports commentary and continued involvement in Philippine basketball as a mentor and analyst, maintaining his relevance in the sport he helped elevate.
Athlete
Filipino
1965
Thinking about the name
Benjie
Hebrew origin
“A casual, affectionate diminutive of Benjamin with a youthful, approachable charm. The -ie ending gives it a friendly, informal quality that works well for children while remaining substantive enough for adults.”