Kobe Paras is about five years older than Kai Sotto, but they have plenty of similarities.
Both Paras and Sotto — second generation cagers — left the country at tender ages as they chased the NBA dream.
And so when Sotto left the country in 2019 — a year after Paras returned home — Paras gave Sotto pieces of advice that helped him through living away from home.
The two stalwarts also received harsh criticisms about some decisions they made despite them trying to achieve the dreams of many — to make it big internationally.
For Paras, it was transferring from school after school. For Sotto, it was leaving G League Ignite.
Now, they are together under one umbrella, as the 23-year-old Paras headed to the States last week to join East West Private.
And the 18-year-old Sotto can’t wait to work with Paras.
“Kilala ko si Kobe at similar ‘yung dreams at goals namin sa buhay.
“Sobrang excited ako to work alongside Kobe and to help each other na mag-succeed sa sari-sarili naming paths,” said Sotto during a press conference organized by SMART.
The 7-foot-3 enigma also expressed his delight that Paras chose EWP as his stable.
For him, EWP has been helping him and the likes of Cholo Anonuevo and Sage Tolentino find their true potential. He knows that Paras will find his as well one day.
“I’m very happy to have Kobe with East West Private. Hindi lang alam ng tao na nandiyan ‘yung East West Private para tumulong sa mga Pilipino basketball players,” shared Sotto.
“Talagang wala silang hinihingi sa ‘yo, tutulungan ka lang nila abutin ‘yung dreams mo.”
