FIGHTING MAROON. Kobe Paras holds a UP Fighting Maroons jacket during his visit to the University of the Philippines in Diliman. The six-foot-six winger has committed to play for the Maroons in UAAP basketball, following in the footsteps of his father, Benjie, who once donned the UP jersey back in the 80s. (Photo courtesy of @upmbt Twitter)
MANILA -- Kobe Paras lets go of going pro for now.
The University of the Philippines (UP) pulled off a recruitment shocker on Wednesday, announcing the commitment of the six-foot-six high-flying winger.
"The attraction of UP is not just its basketball program, which just gets better each year, but the world-class education it is known for,” Paras, the younger son of Fighting Maroons legend Benjie, bared what made him consider the academe as a place to transfer, following short-lived stints with Creighton and California State-Northridge in the US National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
He decided to make the commitment after considering “what could contribute to me becoming better in my chosen field and at the sport I love.”
"We are fortunate to have a talent like Kobe on board," said Coach Bo Perasol.
Paras, like fellow La Salle Greenhills alumnus Ricci Rivero, will redshirt the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 81 this year and will become eligible to play next year.
He joins brothers Juan and Javi Gomez de Liaño and former Perpetual Help big man Bright Akhuetie in what could be the strongest potential starting lineup UP has ever built. (PNA)
