MANILA, Philippines – Highly touted junior baller Kobe Paras, son of two-time PBA MVP winner Benjie, isn’t going to be a UP Maroon or an Ateneo Eagle or a De La Salle Archer.
That’s at least in the near future as Paras, attracting much attention in his stint in the FIBA World Under-18 3x3 Championship where he ruled the side-event slam dunk competition, opted to accept a basketball scholarship at Cathedral High in Los Angeles, California.
Actually, the fast-growing teener has already left for the US.
“It’s worth trying. And if things don’t turn out well, he can return to the Philippines anytime,” said older Paras, giving his full blessing on his son’s bid to make the US college ball.
“The hitch is that, I think, he’s going back to second year since they have a different high school program there,” Paras also said.
San Mig Coffee Fil-Am forward Joe Devance, with his connection to the Cathedral High coach, helped facilitate Paras’ transfer from La Salle Greenhills to Cathedral High.
“Of course, he’s coming home every once in a while. He’ll be here during school breaks,” said the proud dad.
Older brother Andrei, who plays for the UP Maroons, wishes Kobe the best.
“I hope he makes it. He’s taller than me, and my dad now. He’s about 6-foot-6 now and he plays guard,” said Andrei of his brother and buddy who was with Thirdy Ravena, Arvin Tolentino and Prince Rivero in the Phl team that topped the recent Asian 3x3 championship.
The team also made good impression later in the world joust in Indonesia, attracting attention of several scouts who were on the sidelines of the competition.
“I understand Arvin Tolentino was also given an offer but he declined,” said Benjie.
“As for us, we thought we won’t lose anything if we give it a try. There’s always the collegiate basketball here he can return to if he doesn’t make it there,” Benjie also said.
source: www.abs-cbnnews.com
