Kobe Paras will still play in the B.League.
The 6-foot-6 winger out of University of the Philippines has signed a deal to play for B.League Division II team Altiri Chiba for the 2022-23 season.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a part of Altiri Chiba,” said Paras in the team’s statement. “Thank you to the management, team sponsors, and the coaches for giving me a chance to play in Japan again.
“I’m excited to go back and be a part of the team. I can’t wait to meet my teammates and see all the Altiri Chiba fans in the games this upcoming season!”
Paras, 24, previously played for B1 team Niigata, averaging 8.2 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 49 games played.
(C) B.League
Albirex ended with a league-worst record of 7-45.
Despite the performance they had last year, Paras is still grateful to the Albirex.
“Thank you to the management, team sponsors, and the boosters for your support this season! You guys made my first year as a professional a memorable one,” said Paras.
“I’m grateful to have played for Niigata and the Albirex fans. Thank you as well to the coaching staff and my teammates! I wish you all the best next season.”
Paras’ contract though with Chiba is much more lucrative than what he got with Niigata. Facilitating the deal were Siegel Sports & Entertainment and Rados Drljevic of 3&D Basketball.
With Altiri, he joins a team that is deadset on getting promoted to Division I this year.
Altiri Chiba was founded in 2020.
In just two years, the club was promoted to Division II, defeating the Tryhoop Okinawa in the promotion match last month.
The team has high expectations of Paras as they make their B2 debut this October.
“He is a player of exceptional physical ability and has extensive experience playing in the B1 level. We are excited to see Altiri Chiba basketball evolve with his talent on this team,” said Altiri director Yoshihide Arai.
Also signed by the team are Yuta Osaki and Takaaki Kida.
