After just a season with the Creighton Bluejays, Kobe Paras has decided to take his talents to another school.
The 19-year-old Filipino announced on Tuesday that he has transferred to NCAA Division One school California State University Northridge.
I am happy to say that I have verbally committed to play at Cal State University Northridge.
Can’t wait to be back on the court playing! pic.twitter.com/VcQv4KJPRE
— Kobe | KoKo Wave (@_kokoparas) May 9, 2017
In an interview with News5’s Lyn Olavario, Paras said the overwhelming presence of Filipinos in California, where he’s “comfortable”, was one of the reasons why he chose Cal State Northridge.
“It’s in California and I was in Nebraska for almost a year and there wasn’t much Filipinos out there. (It’s) something I’m looking forward to,” he said.
The 6’6″ guard added that Matadors coach Reggie Theus, who once called the shots for the Sacramento Kings, was also a major factor in his decision.
“I’m gonna take my talents to Cal State Northridge just because Coach Reggie Theus is such a great coach and he’s played my position when he was in college and in the NBA,” Paras said.
Paras clarified that he has no grudge against his former school Creighton.
“I have a great relationship with everyone in the team. It’s not because of them. It’s really just because of playing time because my mentality coming in as a freshman was, ‘Oh I’m gonna play, I can show what I have’ and hopefully I have more playing time. I’m just excited for what’s next for me right now,” he said.
Paras admitted he had thought about playing in the Philippines but added: “I wouldn’t mind playing but I’m already here in the United States so I just wanna go with this opportunity that God has given me to be here. So I’m just excited that I’m here & I just wanna make the most out of everything right now,” he said.
Paras will have to sit out the 2017-2018 season before being eligible for the Matadors.
