Photo from Facebook/@cornerstoneofficial
The former PBA star disclosed his son’s decision in an interview with columnist Dolly Anne Carvajal. Kobe Paras has not issued a public retirement announcement.
MANILA — Kobe Paras no longer wants to continue playing basketball, according to his father, former Philippine Basketball Association star Benjie Paras.
Benjie disclosed his son’s decision during an interview with entertainment columnist Dolly Anne Carvajal for her Dollywood PH YouTube channel.
“Pahinga na. Ayaw na niyang mag-basketball,” Benjie said, explaining that Kobe was taking a break and no longer wanted to play.
Benjie said he felt some regret that his son would not follow him into the PBA but would not pressure his children to pursue careers they did not want. He said Kobe had already tried professional basketball and that he supported his decision.
The remarks are the clearest public account to date that Kobe, 28, has stepped away from competitive basketball. Kobe himself, however, has not issued a public statement formally announcing his retirement. The development is therefore attributed to his father rather than presented as a retirement declaration by Kobe.
Kobe last played professionally for Altiri Chiba in Japan’s second-division B.League during the 2022-23 season. The club announced on March 3, 2023, that it had ended his contract by mutual agreement after discussions between the two sides.
The 6-foot-6 forward previously played for Niigata Albirex BB in Japan’s top division. Before turning professional, he spent the 2016-17 season at Creighton University and later played for the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons during the 2019 UAAP season.
Paras also represented the Philippines in international competition. FIBA records show that he played in the 2014 Asian under-18 championship and appeared in two senior national-team games during the 2021 Asia Cup qualifiers.
Speculation about a possible return continued after his departure from Japan. Paras did not join the list of applicants for the PBA Season 50 draft in August 2025.
Benjie said Kobe had shifted his attention toward business. Kobe’s decision to step away from basketball rests on his father’s account, as he has not publicly addressed his playing future.
