Kobe Paras leaves UP, joins Kai Sotto at East-West Private

Kobe Paras’ days at the University of the Philippines has come to an abrupt end.

The 23-year old son of PBA legend Benjie Paras recently left for the United States “to explore other opportunities.”

UP Fighting Maroons head coach Bo Perasol disclosed on Tuesday that team management and Paras have mutually agreed to part ways so that the high-flying forward can pursue other opportunities.

“In the past few weeks, Kobe and I had discussed lengthily about his various opportunities amidst this lingering pandemic. He was unwavering in his commitment to play another season last year. In fact, he was still committed for another season if we play it this year,” said Perasol.

“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 other opportunities,” he added.

Paras, who had uneventful stops in UCLA, Creighton, and Cal State Northridge in the US prior to coming home in 2018 to play for his father’s alma mater, still has one year of eligibility left in the UAAP.

East-West Private, the sports management firm currently in charge of Kai Sotto’s career, formally welcomed Paras to their agency through a post on their Instagram account.

“Let tomorrow be your second chance to prove that you are better than today and yesterday. Welcome to the family Kobe,” wrote the firm.

In his lone season with the Fighting Maroons, Paras submitted averages of 16.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.2 blocks, and 1.1 steals. He earned a spot on the Mythical Team after leading his squad to a third-place finish.

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