Kobe Paras with the Altiri Chiba. B.League Photo
MANILA, Philippines—Kobe Paras and Japan B.League Division 2 team Altiri Chiba officially parted ways on Friday afternoon.
The team announced the sudden move after both sides reached a “mutual agreement” to cancel the Filipino import’s contract.
“I want to say thank you to the Altiri Chiba fans, club sponsors, and all the loyal fans! I’m so grateful for the opportunity to represent such a beautiful club and city, Chiba. I’m also very happy that I got to meet a lot of amazing people in this team which include the team managers, my teammates, coaching staff, owner, GM, and head coach,” Paras said in a statement.
“Good luck with the rest of the season! Wishing you all more success.”
【選手契約解除のお知らせ】#コービー・パラス 選手と双方合意の上で選手契約が終了となりました。
アスレチックなプレーで記憶に残るアルティーリ千葉デビューを果たし、チームに勢いを与えてくれたことに感謝申し上げます。#アルティーリ千葉
— ALTIRI CHIBA / アルティーリ千葉【公式】 (@altiri_chiba) March 3, 2023
Paras has a consistent showing for Altiri in 33 games. He was fielded for an average of over 12 minutes a game while posting 5.3 points, 1.0 assists and nearly a rebound per game.
His showing for the B2 division squad also earned him stripes in the Japan B.League All-Star Game where he played alongside fellow Filipinos Thirdy and Kiefer Ravena, Bobby Ray Parks, Jordan Heading and Matthew Wright.
Altiri is Paras’ second team in Japan.
The University of the Philippines product began his B.League journey with Division 1 team Niigata Albirex BB in the 2021-22 season.