Kobe Paras knows all too well how hard it is to live alone abroad and chase an uncertain dream.
At a young age of 14 years old, Paras left the country for the US to chase after what were hopefully NBA aspirations.
Paras would, later on, admit that the six years he spent alone in America resulted in depression.
A decade later, Paras will once again chase his pro dream — this time in Japan. He has signed with B.League Division I team Niigata Albirex BB.
What’s different, though, is that he won’t be alone in this pursuit.
“Those guys are family to me.
“It’s honestly really amazing how we all have an opportunity to play overseas when we get that one chance,” Paras, who turns 24 on September 19, told Tiebreaker Times.
Paras, one of the first homegrown Filipinos to chase the NBA dream, will have friends on his side — friends with whom he will compete on the court with in the B.League.
Of course, one of his best friends in Thirdy Ravena had just re-signed with San-En.
His former University of the Philippines teammates in Javi and Juan Gomez de Liaño will play for Ibaraki and Tokyo Z.
Players he grew up with in Kiefer Ravena and Bobby Ray Parks Jr. are with Shiga and Nagoya, respectively. Meanwhile, Gilas teammate Kemark Cariño will play for Aomori.
But it’s not going to be all about competition between the seven players (and counting). Instead, Paras will try to support each and every one of them.
“I’m excited to battle it out with them and to support them with their respective teams this season!”
For Paras, this batch of Filipino imports will just be the beginning of the new movement. He hopes that they can serve as inspiration to the next generation to chase their dreams.
“I know this is just the start for Filipino players playing overseas, and I just wish more Filipinos get an opportunity like this!”
