Kobe Paras officially signs with UCLA

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino basketball star Kobe Paras officially signed with the UCLA Bruins on Thursday, November 12.

The news was made official by the Twitter account of UCLA’s men’s basketball team, which added in its post: “It’s official, Kobe’s a Bruin! We’re thrilled to welcome Kobe Paras to the #UCLA family.”

It’s official, Kobe’s a Bruin! We’re thrilled to welcome Kobe Paras to the #UCLA family. #GoBruins pic.twitter.com/j16JrCEqW7

— UCLA Basketball (@UCLAMBB) November 11, 2015

Paras, a 6-foot-6 guard who played for La Salle Greenhills while he was in the Philippines, was recruited by UCLA head coach Steve Alford after impressive performances for Cathedral High School in Los Angeles.

Just recently, Paras started playing high school basketball for Middlebrooks Academy, in addition to see action for the Compton Magic club team.

ESPN currently ranks Paras with 3 out of 5 stars and a scouting grade of 74.

Joining Paras in UCLA are point guard Lonzo Ball of Chino Hills, who’s considered the number one player in California and a bonafide NBA prospect, and 6-foot-10 big man Ike Anigbogu of Corona Centennial.

@Im_Not_Kobe @coachmiddlebrks @middlbasketball congrats Kobe and Marcus..Kobe got a 4 year deal with UCLA! #love pic.twitter.com/16d8jUWAlY

— Middlebrooks Academy (@middlebrooksaca) November 11, 2015

UCLA is considered one of the most successful NCAA Division I programs, having won 11 national championships. The school has also produced many great NBA players, notably Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Reggie Miller, Russell Westbrook, and Kevin Love.  – Rappler.com