Kobe Paras decides to commit to UCLA

Proud father Benjie Paras has informed us that his 17-year-old son Kobe Paras has decided to commit his collegiate playing career in the US to the famed University of California in Los Angeles, better known as UCLA.

News of the major breakthrough in the talented youngster’s career broke “while everyone else was sleeping”. Kobe was up at the crack of dawn speaking to his mom and dad about “the heavy decisions that will affect the rest of his life.”

In fact, friends and family figured something was brewing this week when UCLA Head Coach Steve
Alford and staff paid a visit to Coach William Middlebrooks at Cathedral High School.

It is well-known that Coach Middlebrooks has been instrumental in teaching Kobe how to become great in the eyes of the American basketball community and helping him become a well-rounded player that can produce and deliver game after game.

Once UCLA made the offer, Kobe, Coach Midddlebrooks  and dad Benjie conferred and reviewed the more than 20 college interests and offers that Kobe had received.

Paras told Kobe in a phone call on Saturday, “The world is your land. Now its time for you to decide which path you want to take.”

Benjie told us, “I sent Kobe to America to begin his transformation into manhood while continuing  his La Sallian development and education. Each time I speak with him I am convinced I made the right decision and investment.”

Paras said his son “is very excited and focused on his grades wanting to become the type of player that UCLA and its constituents can really be proud of.”

Kobe Paras for his part said, “I am thankful that coach Steve Alford is willing to take a chance on me. I am very appreciative to all the coaches that made offers to me for their interest. While all of this is new to me I realize that I can only go to one college so I felt it was not necessary to continue the recruitment process with so many very good schools and coaches already bat the table. I see no need to seek out more offers.”

Responding to questions about his commitment Kobe made it clear “there is no way I could have done this without the support of my family as well as my La Sallian family in the Philippines and here in America.”

He said Coach Middlebrooks and his staff at Cathedral along with his Compton Magic affiliation “have been amazing in helping me reach my maximum potential and not just on the court. Coach really cares about making sure our entire team develops in every area of our lives to become high-achieving student athletes and responsible young men. As always I am extremely thankful to all my fans and supporters in the Philippines and here in America. I am playing for you.”

Coach Middlebrooks remarked,“Kobe will go as far as he wants to go and I will be there along the way to make sure he stays grounded and properly prepares for the journey ahead.”

Editor's note: The blogger's views do not represent Yahoo! Southeast Asia's position on the topic or issue being discussed in this post.