MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) –  Gilas cadet Kobe Paras will now don the colors of State U as he decided to join the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons. 

Paras will serve a one-year residency after transferring from Cal State Northridge. He will suit up in Season 82 of the UAAP men’s basketball tournament along with Gilas teammate Ricci Rivero, UP coach Bo Perasol confirmed.

The Fighting Maroons look forward to a championship-caliber lineup that will be reinforced by Paras, Rivero and Bright Akhuetie.

Perasol said, however, that Paras will not join the Maroons’ training in Serbia and Croatia due to family matters.

Paras follows the footsteps of his father, Benjie Paras, who helped lead the Fighting Maroons to their only championship in 1986.

Last March, the 20-year-old Paras revealed that he wanted to turn professional after leaving Cal State. The US university had offered to welcome him back for the 2018-2019 NCAA Season if things didn’t work out.

Paras also recently launched his own online clothing store that aims to bring Filipinos “affordable” yet “high-end” products. – Rappler.com