Kobe Paras’ next journey will take him to Japan.
Paras has signed a professional contract with B.League Division I team Niigata Albirex.
For the 23-year-old former University of the Philippines Fighting Maroon, he is grateful to Niigata head coach Fujitaka Hiraoka and the team’s management for taking a chance on him.
“I’m very excited. I’m so grateful for my team, Niigata Albirex, for taking a chance on me,” Paras told Tiebreaker Times.
“I also want to say thank you to the Niigata Albirex coaching staff and boosters for giving me a chance to play for such a great league.”
Just four months ago, Paras went to the US to train with East West Private. It did not last long however as the two mutually parted ways just two months in.
Opportunities for Paras, a member of the All-UAAP Season 82 team, rose soon afterward in Japan, after he was introduced to and signed with Tim Edwards (Siegle Sports and Entertainment) and Rados Drljevic (CEO 3&D Basketball Agency) by Patrick Tancioco of Better Basketball.
Initially, Paras had talks with Utsonomiya Brex but a deal could not come to fruition. That’s when Niigata came knocking in.
“I can’t wait to meet my new teammates out there and hear the amazing fans cheer us on every game!”
Paras is also grateful to Chooks-to-Go for helping him get to where he is today.
“I am more than happy with the overflowing help and support that I receive from Boss Ronald [Mascariñas] and the Chooks-to-Go family,” he expressed.
“It doesn’t matter where I’m at, they will always be there for me. And for that, I wouldn’t know how I can ever repay them.”
Paras played one year in UP, norming 16.14 points, 5.14 rebounds, 1.79 assists, 1.21 blocks, and 1.14 steals per game.
He also played two games for Gilas during the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, averaging 3.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game.
In the B.League, Paras joins a storied franchise in Niigata — a team that was established back in 1954.
Niigata is coming off a 16-38 campaign — ninth place in the East District.
Paras will be the seventh Filipino to play in the B.League after Thirdy Ravena (San-En NeoPhoenix), Kiefer Ravena (Shiga Lakestars), Juan Gomez de Liano (Earthfriends Tokyo Z), Bobby Ray Parks Jr. (Nagoya Diamond Dolphins), Javi Gomez de Liano (Ibaraki Robots), and Kemark Carino (Aomori Wat’s).
Albirex will open their campaign against Kyoto on October 2.
