Last November, when Kai Sotto was beginning his dominant run in the UAAP Season 80 Juniors Basketball tournament, Kobe Paras tweeted an advice to his fellow 23 for 2023 Gilas Cadet Kai Sotto.
“Hopefully, one day, Kai may make a mature decision to continue his basketball career here in the States so that he won’t get rotten and brained washed in Manila,” the second-generation cager tweeted.
“Endless opportunities available here for that young bull.”
That was eight months ago.
During that span, the 20-year-old Paras left Cal State Northridge as he decided to come back home. Together with the Gilas Cadets, they battled through a tough field in the 2018 Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup, presented by Chooks-to-Go. From there, he was able to gain friends. Eventually he joined fellow Cadets Ricci Rivero, Juan Gomez de Liano, and Will Gozum in the UP Fighting Maroons.
He was able to find what makes him happy.
After experiencing all of this, Paras changed his stance. Asked by ESPN5’s SportsCenter on what advice he will give his fellow second generation cager, he said one thing: “Do what makes you happy.
“Doesn’t matter if you’re here or in the States, just know that there are people who are going to support you.”
Besides this, the 20-year-old also delved on the topic of the dissenting opinions regarding Filipino-foreigner and Filipino athletes chasing their dreams overseas.
“Even though there are issues or reoccurring issues about Fil-[foreign] athletes that people always have to talk about, I just wanna say that it doesn’t matter if it’s Kai we’re focused on or if it’s me,” opined Paras, who went to the States to study back in 2014. “I think we just have to focus on the Philippines you know?
“We’re going through a lot. And I just want everyone to have opportunities. So if Kai has the opportunity, I’ll tell him to chase it but at the same time go for what makes you happy.”
