Kobe Paras grateful for UP stint, chance to be Maroon like dad Benjie

Kobe Paras on Wednesday said his parting words to the University of the Philippines (UP), a day after East West Private announced his signing as their newest member.

Paras, who revealed that the reason he went to UP was because of his father Benjie, thanked the university for welcoming him.

only 1 reason why I went to UP.
Because my dad went there and he’s a living legend ‘cause of what he did for that school.
UP you welcomed me with open arms ????
I’m grateful for everything!!
To my coaches, my teammates, management, sponsors, & the amazing fans, Thank you!#UPFight pic.twitter.com/vlp8E9d8ZT

— Kobe Lorenzo Forster Paras (@_kokoparas) April 21, 2021

"Only 1 reason why I went to UP. Because my dad went there and he’s a living legend ‘cause of what he did for that school," he said in a tweet on Wednesday.

"UP you welcomed me with open arms. I’m grateful for everything!! To my coaches, my teammates,  management, sponsors, & the amazing fans, Thank you!"

Benjie was part of the UP's last title run in 1986.

He would later have a decorated professional career in the PBA, which included two MVP awards.

Kobe joined the Diliman-based squad in 2019. He ended up in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines' Mythical Five during that season after averaging 17.4 points and 5.7 rebounds per game.

Kobe will be joining the talent agency of other US-based Filipino players such as Kai Sotto. UP head coach Bo Perasol said the two of them agreed that Kobe should pursue the present opportunities for his development. —Justin Kenneth Carandang/JMB, GMA News