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Kobe Paras

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Filipino basketball player (born 1997)

In this Philippine name, the middle name or maternal family name is Forster and the surname or paternal family name is Paras.
Kobe Paras
Paras in 2021
Free agent
PositionSmall forward
Personal information
Born (1997-09-19) September 19, 1997 (age 27)
Quezon City, Philippines
NationalityFilipino
Listed height6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
Listed weight200 lb (91 kg)
Career information
High school
College
Playing career2021–present
Career history
2021–2022Niigata Albirex BB
2022–2023Altiri Chiba
Career highlights and awards
Medals
Men's basketball
Representing the  Philippines
Southeast Asian Games
Gold medal – first place 2017 Kuala Lumpur Team competition
SEABA U16 Championship
Gold medal – first place 2013 Yogyakarta Team competition
Men's 3x3 basketball
FIBA 3x3 U18 World Championship
Gold medal – first place 2013 Jakarta Slam dunk
Gold medal – first place 2015 Debrecen Slam dunk
FIBA Asia U18 3x3 Championship
Gold medal – first place 2013 Bangkok Team competition

Kobe Lorenzo Forster Paras (born September 19, 1997) is a Filipino professional basketball player who last played for Altiri Chiba of the B2 League. Listed at 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 m) and 200 pounds (91 kg), he plays the small forward position. He has been a member of the Philippine national team and the national 3x3 team.

Paras committed to play in the United States at the University of California, Los Angeles, but withdrew after the university's admissions department determined he did not meet their academic requirements. Instead, he played his freshman year for the Creighton University in 2016–17 before transferring to Cal State Northridge where he redshirted. However, he left Cal State Northridge to play college basketball for the UP Fighting Maroons of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP). He is the son of Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) legend Benjie Paras.

High school career

Paras entered Cathedral High School in Los Angeles in the middle of the 2013–14 school year where he played for the school's basketball team, the Phantoms. Prior to entering Cathedral, Paras attended La Salle Greenhills in Mandaluyong where he also played for the institution's basketball team. However, Paras decided against playing for the Phantoms for the 2015–16 school year. He would have only been eligible to play for the Phantoms until the first semester due to an eight semester limit. The eligibility limitation was due to the difference between academic years in the Philippines and the United States. He instead decided to play for Middlebrooks Academy prep team for his final year in high school while continuing to attend Cathedral. Middlebrooks is not regulated by California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) regulation, which allowed Paras to avoid the conflict between school years.

Paras prepped at Cathedral in Los Angeles, CA before playing his senior year at Middlebrooks Academy. In high school, he was an honor roll student, a member of the National Honor Society, a Star Scholar Honoree and a summa cum laude graduate. At Cathedral, he averaged 15.0 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.5 steals as a junior and was an All-State nominee, First Team All-Del Rey League and ranked the 24th-best player in California by CalHiSports. Helped lead Cathedral to the Regional Championship game (State Final 4) and the team finished ranked No. 9 in the state and No. 1 in Division 3A of the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF). In 2015–16, Paras played his senior campaign with Middlebrooks Academy where he earned a McDonald's All-American Game nomination and the PEC-6 Conference MVP Award and helped lead Middlebrooks to the regular season PEC-6 Conference championship. He participated in several elite basketball showcases, including Adidas Nations and the Adidas All-American Camp. Also played travel basketball with Compton Magic on the Adidas grassroots circuit and was selected to the Adidas All-American Camp and the international elite showcase Adidas Nations.

U.S. college recruiting

In the United States, Paras was considered as a four-star recruit by Scout.com as well as a three-star prospect by ESPN.com and Rivals.com.

College recruiting information
Name Hometown High school / college Height Weight Commit date
Kobe Paras
SG 		Quezon City, Philippines Cathedral High School 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 200 lb (91 kg) Nov 10, 2014 
Star ratings: Scout:4/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars   ESPN grade: 74
Overall recruiting rankings:
  • Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight.
  • In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale.

Sources:

College career

UCLA (2016)

Paras committed to attend college at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and play for their Bruins basketball team. In October 2015, he signed a National Letter of Intent to join the team under coach Steve Alford, and later formally signed on November 12, 2015. However, on June 30, 2016, Paras withdrew from UCLA after failing to meet their academic requirements. Middlebrooks stated that Paras was a 100% academic qualifier for a Division I college through the NCAA Eligibility Center. Eighty Division I schools expressed interest in signing Paras.

Creighton University (2016–2017)

On July 18, 2016, the Creighton Bluejays announced they had signed Paras. Paras was the first Filipino to join the program. In 15 games with Creighton, Paras totaled 20 points and 15 rebounds in 70 total minutes on the floor. He scored a season-high six points in 12 minutes of action against Longwood on December 9, 2016. He also appeared in Creighton's NCAA opening round contest against Rhode Island where he scored three points and collected a rebound in two minutes. After finishing his freshman season and failing to secure a regular playing role, Paras subsequently withdrew from the school on April 29, 2017.

Cal State Northridge (2017)

On May 9, 2017, Paras announced, via his Twitter account, that he verbally committed to play for the Matadors, under coach Reggie Theus. Paras would have to redshirt his first year of eligibility, due to NCAA transfer rules. However, on March 9, 2018, Paras announced that he would be leaving Cal State to pursue a professional career. This move followed the firing of Cal State coach Theus and athletic director Brandon Martin. Paras never played a game with the Matadors.

University of the Philippines (2019)

On July 10, 2018, Paras announced that he will be returning to the Philippines to join the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, following the footsteps of his father, Benjie, who was member of the 1986 champion team, saying that UP is "the most respected educational institution in the country" and adding that "the attraction of UP is not just its basketball program, but the world-class education it is known for." Paras served a one-year residency period before he was eligible to play for the UP Fighting Maroons starting UAAP Season 82. Paras became the UAAP Player of the week on his debut as he helped the UP Fighting Maroons to clinch three straight victories. In April 2021, he left the team to seek better basketball opportunities in the United States.

Professional career

Niigata Albirex BB (2021–2022)

On September 5, 2021, Paras signed with Niigata Albirex BB of the Japanese B.League. He made his debut on October 2, recording 25 points, 4 assists, and 2 steals, in a 85–81 loss to Kyoto Hannaryz. His contract expired by May 2022 and was not renewed.

Altiri Chiba (2022–2023)

After leaving Niigata Albirex, Paras moved to Altiri Chiba in June 2022, which has just been promoted to the B.League second division for the 2022–23 season. Paras parted ways with the team on March 3, 2023.

National team career

Junior national team

Paras was part of the Philippine national team that participated at the 2013 SEABA Under-16 Championship.

He was also part of the Philippine national team that participated at the 2014 FIBA Asia Under-18 Championship that finished fifth, wherein he scored 27 points en route to a 113–105 overtime victory against Japan.

Senior national team

The Philippine national team was looking to include Paras in the senior national team as early as 2015. He was included in the initial line up for the national squad which was set to participate at the 2015 Southeast Asian Games, although he was not in the final lineup. Paras expressed openness to play for the national team provided that it would not conflict his commitments in the United States.

He joined the Philippine national team which participated at the 2017 William Jones Cup. He also played for the country in the 2017 Southeast Asian Games. Paras played sparingly in the Jones Cup and a scoreless 3:37 minutes in for the first game of the 2017 Southeast Asian Games Games against Thailand. However, he bounced back strong in succeeding games, and helped the Philippines cop its 18th SEA Games basketball gold medal on Saturday, August 26, with a 94–55 thrashing of Indonesia in the gold medal match at the MABA Stadium. Paras averaged 11.4 points, including a tournament-high 20 markers in a 95-point win over Myanmar. He found his rhythm and naturally pulled several dunk parties through the tournament and even in the final, where he was also a perfect 6-of-6 from the field for 14 points.

3x3 national team

In 3x3 basketball, Paras represented the Philippines at the 2013 and 2015 FIBA 3x3 Under-18 World Championship. While the national team failed to win the main 3x3 tournament at both editions, He won the slam dunk championships also on both occasions.

Paras represented the Philippines in the 2017 FIBA 3x3 World Cup on June 17 to 21, 2017 in Nantes, France. Paras was named player of the day on June 18, 2017, following a win against Romania and a loss to France. They finished the tournament at 11th place.

Career statistics

Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field goal percentage  3P%  3-point field goal percentage  FT%  Free throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game  Bold  Career high

College

Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2016–17 Creighton 15 0 4.7 .348 .200 .286 0.9 0.2 0.1 0.1 1.3
Career 15 0 4.7 .348 .200 .286 0.9 0.2 0.1 0.1 1.3

Personal life

Paras is the son of Filipino basketball player and actor Benjie Paras, a two-time PBA Most Valuable Player and the only player in PBA history to be named Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season, and former actress Jackie Forster. He was named after NBA legend Kobe Bryant. Paras older brother, Andre, is also a basketball player and actor. He also has two half-brothers from his father's second marriage, Riley and Sam, and two half-brothers and a half-sister from his mother's second marriage.

Paras previously dated Erika Rae Portunak, daughter of actress Ina Raymundo. He is currently in a relationship with actress Kyline Alcantara.

References

  1. Almo, Alder (August 29, 2015). "Eligibility issue keeps Kobe Paras from playing final yr with Phantoms". Philippine Star. Retrieved September 19, 2017.
  2. Smith, Cam (August 27, 2015). "Filipino teen hoops superstar Kobe Paras leaves Cathedral basketball program in L.A." USA Today. Retrieved September 19, 2017.
  3. "Kobe Paras". CSUN Matadors. Retrieved September 19, 2017.
  4. Leongson, Randolph (June 11, 2015). "Studies over basketball for UCLA commit Kobe Paras". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved September 19, 2017.
  5. Leongson, Randolph (November 12, 2015). "Kobe Paras officially joins UCLA Bruins". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved September 19, 2017.
  6. Del Rosario, Paolo (November 12, 2015). "UCLA Bruins officially sign Kobe Paras". CNN Philippines. Archived from the original on November 15, 2017. Retrieved September 19, 2017.
  7. "Kobe Paras withdraws from UCLA Bruins due to academic issues". InterAksyon. June 30, 2016. Archived from the original on January 27, 2017. Retrieved September 19, 2017.
  8. "Kobe Paras withdraws from UCLA after failing academic requirement". CNN Philippines. July 1, 2016. Archived from the original on December 8, 2017. Retrieved September 19, 2017.
  9. "Middlebrooks clarifies: Kobe Paras has no SAT issue". ABS-CBN Corporation. July 2, 2016. Retrieved September 19, 2017.
  10. Terrado, Reuben (July 2, 2016). "Middlebrooks denies report Kobe Paras has 'SAT scoring issue'". Retrieved September 19, 2017.
  11. "It's official: Kobe Paras signs with Creighton". The Philippine Star. Associated Press. July 19, 2016. Retrieved September 19, 2017.
  12. "Kobe Paras – 2016–17". Retrieved May 9, 2017.
  13. "Kobe Paras – 2017–18 – Men's Basketball". CSUN Athletics.
  14. Almo, Alder (April 30, 2017). "Kobe Paras leaves Creighton Blue Jays". FOX SPORTS. Retrieved September 19, 2017.
  15. Corp., ABS-CBN (May 9, 2017). "Kobe Paras commits to play for Cal State Northridge". ABS-CBN SPORTS. Retrieved September 19, 2017.
  16. ^ Lintag, Paul (April 17, 2018). "Kobe Paras and his Basketball Leap of Faith". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved April 17, 2018.
  17. Dioquino, Delfin (March 9, 2018). "'I'm going pro,' Kobe Paras reveals". Rappler. Retrieved March 9, 2018.
  18. "Kobe Paras is newest UP Maroon". July 11, 2018.
  19. "Kobe Paras joins loaded UP Maroons". The Philippine Star. July 11, 2018. Retrieved July 12, 2018.
  20. "UAAP Player of the Week Kobe Paras reintroduces himself". Rappler.
  21. "Kobe Paras bids UP Maroons goodbye". Yahoo! News. April 20, 2021. Retrieved April 22, 2021.
  22. "Kobe Paras goes pro, joins Japan's Niigata Albirex BB". ESPN.com. September 5, 2021.
  23. Giongco, Mark (October 2, 2021). "Kobe Paras scores 25 in Japan B.League debut but Niigata loses". INQUIRER.net.
  24. Li, Matthew (May 27, 2022). "Kobe Paras not renewed by Niigata, enters free agency". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved May 28, 2022.
  25. Leongson, Randolph (June 23, 2022). "Kobe Paras starts afresh with Japan second-division side Altiri Chiba". Sports Interactive Network Philippines. Retrieved June 23, 2022.
  26. "Kobe Paras leaves Altiri Chiba in Japan B2 League". ABS-CBNnews.com. March 3, 2023. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  27. Terrado, Reuben (July 16, 2013). "Basketball Kobe Paras helps get PH campaign off to hot start in Seaba U-16 tilt". Sports Interactive Network Philippines. Retrieved September 19, 2017.
  28. Joble, Rey (February 15, 2015). "Marcus Douthit, Kiefer Ravena, Kobe Paras named to initial Gilas national team pool for SEA Games". InterAksyon.com. Archived from the original on September 30, 2015. Retrieved September 28, 2015.
  29. Catacutan, Dodo (July 22, 2017). "By learning to take it slow, wunderkind Kobe Paras hastens his growth as a player". spin.ph. Retrieved September 19, 2017.
  30. Castillo, Musong (July 14, 2017). "Despite the attention, Kobe Paras remains cool in first Gilas stint". Inquirer.net. Retrieved September 19, 2017.
  31. Rola, Alyssa (July 28, 2017). "Paras, Parks, Ravena lead Gilas lineup for 2017 SEA Games". Retrieved September 19, 2017.
  32. "Ahead of US return, Kobe Paras armed with key lessons after time with Gilas". Rappler.
  33. "GOLD STANDARD: Gilas Pilipinas crushes Indonesia for SEA Games title". abs-cbn.com. August 26, 2017. Retrieved September 19, 2017.
  34. Payo, Jasmine (June 8, 2015). "Perfect Paras keeps dunk title". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved September 19, 2017.
  35. "Kobe Paras, Kiefer Ravena, Jeron Teng, Raymar Jose team up for FIBA 3x3 World Cup". CNN Philippines. Archived from the original on November 6, 2023. Retrieved September 19, 2017.
  36. "Kobe Paras is FIBA 3x3 World Cup Player of the Day". ABS-CBN News. June 19, 2017. Retrieved September 19, 2017.
  37. "Serbia wins FIBA 3x3 World Cup title, Philippines finishes 11th". ABS-CBN SPORTS. June 22, 2017. Retrieved September 19, 2017.
  38. "Named after Bryant, Kobe Paras pays respect to fallen star". Spin.ph. January 27, 2020. Retrieved December 11, 2020.
  39. Sonheimer, Eric (October 13, 2014). "There's a new Kobe in town at Cathedral High". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved September 19, 2017.
  40. "Ina Raymundo confirms breakup of daughter Erika Poturnak, Kobe Paras". PEP.ph. March 17, 2023.
  41. "Kobe Paras and Kyline Alcantara are dating, basketball player tells local magazine". GMA News. November 3, 2024.

External links

Philippines squad
Philippines squad – 2017 SEA Games – Gold medal
Philippines
Categories: