Kobe Paras has decided to give up on his final playing year with the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons due to uncertainties in the coming season of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.
The 23-year-old son of former Philippine Basketball Association great Benjie Paras has decided to train in the United States in the coming months.
Fighting Maroons’ coach Bo Perasol confirmed the departure of Paras, who will be assisted on his US plans by sports management agency East West Private.
“In the past few weeks, Kobe and I had discussed lengthily about his various opportunities amidst this lingering pandemic situation. 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,” said Perasol in his message to the Manila Standard.
Because of the ongoing pandemic, Paras was not able to suit up with the Fighting Maroons over the last two years.
“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,” added Perasol.
The 6’6” Paras averaged 16.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.5 blocks, 1.8 assists, and 1.1 steals per game, when he saw action in Season 82 back in 2019.
It will be the second time that Paras will train in the US, with the first one coming in 2013 after he played for La Salle Greenhills in high school.
While in the US, Paras finished his secondary school at the Cathedral High School, while playing for Middlebrooks Academy.
Paras later transferred to Creighton University, before returning to the Philippines to see action for the Fighting Maroons.
“We are both unsure and not so hopeful that college basketball will resume this year. It is in this backdrop that we agreed that he has to pursue his other opportunities,” added Perasol.
With EWP taking care of Paras’ affairs, he could either play in the Philippine Basketball Association next year, or find a club team to suit up for while in the US.