Last week we reported that Kobe Paras, who’s been enrolled as a senior at Cathedral High School in Los Angeles the past two years, withdrew from the University of California in Los Angeles Bruins team because he didn’t meet certain academic requirements.
According to this ABS-CBN report, the issue may have do with the honor student’s Scholastic Assessment Test score which, though high at 1750, still fell below UCLA’s average of 2064.
In any case, Kobe, his coach and his family aren’t crying foul and, in fact, taking everything in stride. They are still hopeful about the 18-year-old’s future in basketball.
The 6-foot-6 shooting guard reportedly broke down and cried to his father, PBA legend Benjie Paras, when he learned about the devastating news, which came just weeks after he checked in on campus with the school, tweeting his visits and his locker room nameplate.
He even had a chance to meet his fellow class of 2016 recruits during the visit.
But you know what they say, when a door closes, another window opens.
Talking to ABS-CBN’s LA news bureau, Kobe’s CHS coach, William Middlebrooks, assured that the young Paras will be back on his feet and ready for the rebound.
Middlebrooks emphasized that Kobe “is a hot commodity right now. We’re just back to the drawing board about finding the right fit, the right opportunity; that they understand who Kobe is, what his game is all about, what he means to the Philippines.”
His father, who himself was a star dribbler during his student days at UP Diliman, agrees with coach William’s sentiments.
“Don’t worry. He’s going to be ok,” said Paras. “He’s in good hands right now and for sure you will see him play again.” True enough, on Fri, Jul 1, Kobe posted a photo of himself holding a basketball. It was shot in LA. The caption? “When one door closes 14 more open.! #Division1”.
At this stage in the game, Kobe Paras better not throw away his shot. With a report from ABS-CBN News
