KOBE Paras has abandoned plans to play for Cal State Northridge in the US NCAA, saying he will turn pro.
Paras made the announcement on Friday through a video posted on his Twitter page which showed highlights from his games both in the US and the Philippines and was capped by one short line from the high-flying phenom, 'I'm turning pro.'
If you know me you knew this was coming...
— koko wave | kobe paras (@_kokoparas) March 9, 2018
thank you CSUN...
but it's time! #rockstarlifestyle#twtbg#waitforthewave pic.twitter.com/kjISZl6VDp
The 6-foot-6 forward's decision to turn pro came just days after a falling-out between the Cal State Northridge Athletic Department and coach Reggie Theus led to the firing of the former NBA star as well as athletic director Dr. Brandon Martin.
Paras' handler, Middlebrooks Basketball, later confirmed the development in a statement saying the 20-year-old 'has decided to enter the world of professional basketball.'
Middlebrooks said the decision to turn pro was a 'strong statement' from Paras in the wake of the Theus firing, although it didn't burn the bridge between CSNU and the player by saying that the Filipino prodigy is eligible to play for the Matadors if he decides not to sign with an agent.
Kobe's dad, former PBA rookie-MVP Benjie Paras, was also quoted in the statement as saying his son 'is taking one of the hardest steps in his journey to date and embracing full manhood."
“He has fought through continuous adversity at the collegiate level and now he is continuing to challenge himself with this decision,” the elder Paras added.
The statement made no mention where Paras wants to play next.
The decision puts a stunning end to a tumultuous college career for the former juniors standout out of La Salle-Greenhills, who created a buzz in the US with a brief but memorable stint with Cathedral High in Los Angeles.
However, he ended up playing just 15 games, for Creighton, in three years in the US NCAA, averaging 1.3 points and 1 rebound in 4.7 mins per game last season.
In between, Paras' supposed move from high school to UCLA was derailed by a 'SAT issue' while his move from Creighton to Cal State led to a year spent red-shirting with the Matadors.