Kai Soto with the bucket from the Philippines? Before Kai Soto, from 2014 to 2018, the most famous player in our country was none other than Kobe Paras. Once an NBA prospect admired by many basketball fanatics, where is Kobe Paras now? Is he still playing basketball? Why does it seem like he’s no longer active in sports? Let’s delve into the story.

Back in high school, Kobe already showed immense potential—at just 15 years old, he stood 6’5″, rare for a Filipino. He had ball handling, perimeter shooting, strong attack, and athleticism. Even before vlogs and influencers were trending, Filipino fans had high hopes that Kobe Paras would become the first homegrown Filipino NBA player. He was the son of legendary basketball player Benjie Paras.

In 2014, Kobe won the Under‑18 dunk contest in Jakarta, defeating strong basketball nations like Spain and the U.S. His fame skyrocketed when he moved to the U.S. to attend high school and play varsity basketball. Experience included a feature video on a top U.S. hoop channel, with over 2 million YouTube views calling him “the new Kobe.”

He committed to UCLA in 2015, a school known for NBA stars like Kareem Abdul‑Jabbar, Russell Westbrook, Kevin Love, Reggie Miller, and more. He also won the FIBA dunk contest again that year and showcased his skills at Adidas Nations, facing future NBA talents.

But his career took a turn.
In 2016, shortly after enrolling at UCLA, Kobe withdrew due to academic issues. His former school, middle Brook Academy, defended him as an outstanding student. He was reportedly emotional and cried over it. Yet, his basketball journey wasn’t over—he transferred to Creighton University, where he faced criticism for not meeting high expectations and limited playing time.

Later, he moved to Cal State Northridge (the Matadors), where the coach had confidence in him. Unfortunately, internal team conflicts later forced his exit.

After hearing Kobe say “I’m going pro,” fans expected an NBA path. Instead, he returned to the Philippines—sparking disappointment among some fans. Kobe clarified that going pro didn’t always mean NBA; it simply meant leaving college basketball temporarily. He even joined Gilas Cadets in the Phil‑Oil Cup and later returned to college hoops in 2023 by committing to the UP Fighting Maroons alongside other collegiate stars.

Despite strong UP rosters, they failed to win and were upset by UST in the semifinals—leading to renewed criticism about his basketball IQ and performance. His last competitive game was in February 2023.

So where is Kobe now?
Recent statements said Kobe asked his father, Benjie Paras, for a break from basketball. His father gave him permission to rest. Kobe isn’t retiring or quitting—he’s simply taking time off to enjoy life. Remember: at just 15, he already left his family to chase a dream; now he deserves to recharge.

Key takeaways:

Kobe Paras rose as a high‑school phenom with NBA potential.

Academic issues and team dynamics affected his NCAA trajectory.

Returning to the Philippines led to mixed reception and pressure.

Now he’s on a pause—not gone—likely preparing mentally and physically for the next stage.