KOBE Paras’ stint with University of the Philippines has ended.
Fighting Maroons coach Bo Perasol yesterday confirmed that his prized forward has left the team to train with East West Private in the United States.
“In the past few weeks, Kobe and I had discussed lengthily his various opportunities amidst this lingering pandemic situation,” Perasol told Malaya-Business Insight yesterday.
“His commitment in helping out our program has gone beyond our initial agreement of him playing for us for one or two seasons depending on what will come his way after each season,” he added.
Paras’ new journey in the US is being backed by Chooks-to-Go, which he has represented as its brand ambassador.
“We will continue to support Kobe in his pursuit of having a career abroad. We at Chooks-to-Go continue to believe that he has yet to reach his full potential,” Chooks-to-Go president Ronald Mascariñas said. “He is not just our ambassador but a son to us. We got his back through thick or thin.”
For the past month, Kobe, 23; his dad Benjie, and Mascariñas have been plotting the 6-foot-6 stalwart’s next move after the cancellation of UAAP Season 83 and the postponement of Season 84.
An opportunity to train abroad came two weeks ago. That explains why last Wednesday, Chooks-to-Go booked him a flight to Los Angeles, California before heading to Cincinnati, Ohio where he would train full-time.
“We have Kobe’s back through thick and thin,” Mascariñas said.
EWP, the same firm that handles a slew of Filipino cagers, including Kai Sotto, has rolled out the red carpet for Paras.
“Let tomorrow be your second chance to prove that you are better than today and yesterday,” EWP posted on its Instagram account.
“He was unwavering in his commitment to play for another season last year. In fact, he was still committed for another season, if we play it this year. However, we are both unsure and not so hopeful that college basketball will resume this year,” Perasol said.
“It is in this backdrop that we agreed that he has to pursue his other opportunities. Kobe is too talented to be kept waiting for things to come. I believe it is his obligation to pursue these and showcase his God given talent. Our program was blessed to have been a part of his journey.”
Paras last saw action for Gilas Pilipinas in the second window of the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers in Manama, Bahrain last November.
The high-flying Paras suited up for La Salle Greenhills in high school and endured a tumultuous collegiate career after chasing his NBA dreams.
He committed to the UCLA Bruins in 2015 but after a year, he moved to Creighton University where he played sparingly in 15 games for the Bluejays.
In 2017, Paras was set to join Cal State Northridge and undergo a one-year residency but after the departure of head coach Reggie Theus, Paras opted to leave and return to the Philippines.
Paras, 23, averaged 16.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.1 steals and 2.5 blocks for UP in the last UAAP cage wars where he was named in the Mythical team.
