With collegiate basketball in the Philippines still in limbo due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Kobe Paras and his coach had agreed to bring his talent in the United States where he will be training at East West Private and prove his mettle there.
UP Fighting Maroons’ Kobe Paras will forego playing for the university for his final year, opting instead to train with East West Private in the United States.
According to UP head coach Bo Perasol, he and the 6-foot-6 forward have been discussing the possibility of finishing his eligibility in the UAAP for the state university.
However, they both agreed that college basketball will still be in abeyance in the Philippines due to the Covid-19 pandemic
“It is in this backdrop that we agreed that he has to pursue other opportunities," Perasol added, saying that such a talent should not be wasted.
"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.”
Meanwhile, EWP confirmed Paras’ signing in an Instagram post last Tuesday (April 22).
"Let tomorrow be your second chance to prove that you are better than today and yesterday. Welcome to the family Kobe," the post the post said.
Noted Fil-foreigners signed by the firm include Cholo Anonuevo from FEU, 7-foot-1 center Sage Tolentino, and 16-year-old wingman Caelum Harris.
The 23-year-old delivered in his one and done stint with the UP squad averaging 16.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.5 blocks, 1.8 assists, and 1.1 steals per game while teaming up with other prolific scorers like Juan Gomez De Liano and Bright Akhuetie to bring the team to the second step ladder round in Season 82 against the Growling Tigers.
"UP, you welcomed me with open arms… I'm grateful for everything. To my coaches, my teammates, management, sponsors and the amazing fans, thank you!" Paras tweeted early Wednesday morning (April 23).
This is not the first time that Kobe will be playing in the States as he previously tried his luck in the NCAA, playing for Creighton University then transferring to California State University, Northridge before eventually committing to UP.
Talent has never been the issue for Paras as catching the attention of fans internationally while playing for Gilas in various FIBA qualifying stints proved that he has what it takes to conquer the international stage.
However, timing and management was never on his side.
As Chooks-to-Go president Ronald Mascariñas said, “We believe that he has yet to reach his full potential. We have Kobe's back, through thick and thin.”
(NP)
Tags: #basketball, #KobeParas, #UPFightingMaroons, #EastWestPrivate