Kobe Paras leaves UP; Coach Bo Perasol issues statement

Kobe Paras's stint as a Fighting Maroon has come to an end.

The 23-year-old high-flyer has decided to forfeit his final year of eligibility as a member of the senior's basketball team of the University of the Philippines (UP).

Instead, Kobe will be training in the United States under the guidance of East West Private (EWP).

East West Private is based in Cincinnati, Ohio, and is the same team handling young 7'1” Filipino center Kai Sotto.

EWP also trains Ateneo standout LeBron Perez and other up-and-coming Fil-foreigner players.

“Let tomorrow be your second chance to prove that you are better than today and yesterday. Welcome to the family Kobe!” EWP posted on Instagram.

Meanwhile, Kobe's coach in UP, Bo Perasol, has shared his sentiments on Kobe's decision in a statement published in various sports websites.

“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 Bo.

“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.”

He added, “However, 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.”

The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), in which UP is a member school, has suspended the season throughout the year, leaving many senior student-athletes to rethink their plans.

Kobe, who is the son of Philippine basketball legend Benjie Paras and actress Jackie Forster, was a vital cog for the UP Fighting Maroons.

He averaged 16.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.5 blocks, 1.8 assists, and 1.1 steals per game in his lone season with the team.

Kobe's arrival along with other new and previous prized recruits helped rejuvenate UP's basketball program, turning the team into a playoff contender after years of languishing at the bottom of the standings.

Kobe's brother Andre was recently drafted to play for Blackwater in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

Meanwhile, enjoy these throwback photos of brothers Andre and Kobe in this gallery: