Kobe Paras is reportedly going home to the Philippines.
KOBE PARAS- Kobe Paras will return to Manila and will join the Young Gilas Pilipinas Squad as preparation for some bigger tournaments in the future.
Paras is the son of Filipino basketball legend Benjie, the only player in the Philippine Basketball history to be hailed Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season, and former actress Jackie Forster.
His brother, Andre, played college basketball locally but is now establishing his own name in the entertainment industry as an actor.
On Saturday, April 14, the 20-year old Filipino basketball sensation revealed via a twitter post his elation on returning to Manila.
In his tweet, he thanked his supporters and promised to do something special for them.
I’m just packing my stuff for my flight tonight & I’m just cheesin cause I honestly can’t wait be back home!
To all my homies, I can’t wait to be with y’all ??
And to the people who have been there supporting me since day 1, I’ll make sure to do something special for y’all ?
— Kobe Lorenzo Forster Paras (@_kokoparas) April 14, 2018
Based on a report from ABS-CBN News, citing Gilas coach Chot Reyes’ post on Facebook, the 6-foot-6 wing will be included in the Filoil and Jones Cup rosters. The basketball coach reportedly stated that Kobe needs to play and not just to practice.
“The more actual games he gets, the better he’ll become,” Reyes wrote.
Paras played for the Creighton University Bluejays in the 2016-2017 NCAA Division 1.
He then transferred to California State University, Northridge (CSUN) and undergone a one-year residency before he can finally suit up for the Matadors to comply with the league rules for transferees but eventually decided to leave.
The young athlete’s full potential was also credited when he played with Gilas squad that bagged the gold medal in the Southeast Asian Games held in Kuala Lumpur.
Earlier this year, The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas launched its “23 for 23” program where Paras’ name was on top of the list. The said program aims to prime 23 Filipino young athletes for the 2023 FIBA World Cup that the Philippines will reportedly host.
The decision to return to the country was approved by Paras’ father, Benjie. He is expected to immediately practice with the team at the Meralco Gym in Pasig as soon as he arrives.