Kobe Paras officially signs with UCLA

MANILA, Philippines – Kobe Paras has officially committed to play collegiate basketball with the UCLA Bruins, head coach Steve Alford announced.

Paras, a standout from La Salle Greenhills who moved to the United States to play for Cathedral High School, verbally committed to play for UCLA in October 2014 but made it official this week.

According to the UCLA Bruins' website, Alford received a signed National Letter of Intent from Paras on Wednesday, the first day of early signing period.

"We're always looking for players who've grown up immersed in basketball, and Kobe definitely fits that mold," Alford was quoted as saying. "He just loves the game."

"To add a talented player like Kobe to our program is terrific. He's a very athletic guard who plays with tremendous energy. We like how he can attack off the dribble and get to the rim in the open court," he added.

"We're excited that he'll be joining us in Westwood."


Paras is currently playing for the Middlebrooks Academy Team and has represented the Philippines in several international competitions, including the FIBA Asia Under-18 3x3 Championships.

"Officially a Bruin," Paras said in an Instagram post. "I can't wait for the next chapters of my life…. This one is for my family back home."

Along with Paras, UCLA also got official commitments from Ike Anigbogu and Lonzo Ball, who are highly rated players in their high school class. All three will enroll at UCLA in 2016 and begin their freshmen seasons in the 2016-2017 academic calendar.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Kobe, Sedricks' teams advance to regional finals

MONROVIA, California – The high school edition of March Madness continued Friday night, and Cathedral High school has advanced to the regional finals after beating Alemany High School, 72-64.

UCLA-commit Kobe Paras overcame early foul trouble to finish with 17 points, including four three-pointers.

"We stayed focus and (I'm) just happy we got a win," said Paras. "I practiced, I just kept shooting and shooting until I got my rhythm back, and as you can see, I got it back."

With Paras in foul trouble, Washington State recruit Mila Acquaah led Cathedral's offense.

"It's definitely exciting, but I feel we're not done. We got a lot more to go. Winning the championship is our goal," he said.

Filipinos came out in full force to watch Paras in his most important high school game to date, including Disney and Broadway star Anna Maria Perez DeTagle.

Cathedral will play for the Division 3 regional title on Saturday in Ontario.

Meanwhile, Player of the Year candidate and Filipino-American Sedrick Barefield scorde 25 points for Centennial High School as they defeated Redondo Union High School, 85-64, to advance to the Division 1 regional championships, which will be held in Long Beach.

Winners of the regional final will advance to the state finals in Berkeley next week.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Paras, Barefield's teams eliminated in Open Division playoffs

MONROVIA/CORONA, California –Two Filipino hoop prodigies fell short in the second week of the California Interscholastic Federation Open Division tournament that features the state's top teams in one of the top high school tournaments.

UCLA-bound Kobe Paras and Cathedral High School lost for the third time this year to high school hoops powerhouse Bishop Montgomery.

Paras scored 14 points and showed his defensive skills to help keep the game close before Bishop Montgomery pulled away for a 59-47 victory and advance to the Last Eight.

"I'm just thankful that we can go up against teams as good as them," said Paras. "I just feel bad we can up short. We did our best, we practiced our all, but it went down to the smallest things, rebounds and the details."

Despite the loss, Paras met with dozens of Filipino fans after the game to celebrate a season's worth of improvement.

"I'm still new here. I'm just glad I got to go with the pace of the game. I just hope if we go up against greater teams, we can focus and do better," he said.

Across town in Corona, SMU-bound Fil-Am senior Sedrick Barefield and fourth-ranked Centennial High were upset by 12th-ranked Orange Lutheran, 78-73.

While both open divisions have ended for Paras and Barefield, they will now both regroup as they await for the seedings in another statewide high school playoff championship.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Paras, Cathedral HS win crucial game vs Redondo

Another Fil-Am shines in state playoffs

REDONDO BEACH, California -- It's the most exciting time of the year for high school basketball, the playoffs and in the first round of the open division that features the state’s top teams.

The Cathedral High School Phantoms came out victorious over Redondo Union high school.

“It's a playoff game. It's an important game so it's a real good feeling we won today so we just need to focus on our first game,” said Kobe Paras.

“I feel like we're doing good, playing together like a team. The chemistry is all built up. I believe were ready to push to get this win,” said , .

Paras was off to a slow start in a low scoring game.

In the second half as Redondo tried to make a late run, the son of PBA legend Benjie Paras scored 6 points in the fourth quarter to finish with 13 total points.

“I just played my best. Even though I wasn't in my healthiest condition because I'm still recovering from my sprained ankle and I sprained my finger as well but I'm just really proud of my teammates who stepped up as well,” said Paras.

With the victory, the 9th seeded Cathedral Phantoms will play against top seeded Bishop Montgomery whom they've lost a pair close matches this year.

Paras wasn't the only Fil-Am prodigy on the court Thursday night, Sedrick Barefield also opened his tournament with a big win.

In Corona, California SMU-bound Fil-Am point Barefiled scored 23 points as his 4th ranked Centennial beat Alemany 95- 69.

The second of playoffs will take place next week, the ultimate goal however is a trip to Sacramento for the State championship.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Kobe Paras, Cathedral lose in home debut

LOS ANGELES – A rally came too little, too late for Kobe Paras and the Cathedral High School Phantoms as they dropped their first game of the season at home.

The Phantoms trailed by as much as 21 points to Bishop Montgomery High School, a Top 10 Southern California powerhouse.

The Phantoms mounted a late rally but could not pull it off, losing 76 to 80.

After a scoreless first half, Paras finished with nine points, including a buzzer-beating three-pointer to end the third quarter.

Meanwhile, three of Paras' teammates – including Fil-Am Jameel McGill – have been nominated to the McDonalds All-American Game that showcases the top high school seniors in the country.

Centennial High School's Fil-Am senior Sedrick Barefield, who will go to Southern Methodist University in Texas next year, was also nominated. -- Report from Steve Angeles, ABS-CBN News North America.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Kobe Paras, Cathedral High open year with win

LOS ANGELES – Basketball never stops in Los Angeles, especially for Kobe Paras and the Cathedral High School Phantoms.

In less than three weeks, the Phantoms have played 10 games, most of them on back-to-back nights.

After winning the San Fernando Valley Invitational, the team lost in the semi-finals of last week's Las Vegas Prep tournament.

They kicked off the New Year on Monday with the Huntington Park tournament, where they beat Millikan High School of Long Beach, 78-62.

Paras was off to a slow start in the first quarter offensively, missing several shots. But he showed off his skills on defense and ball handling.

Paras managed to score 10 points in the game, and completed a crowd-pleasing alley-oop dunk. Just like his other games, Filipino fans flocked to see the UCLA-bound teenager.

Though playing three tournaments in a row can be exhausting, the non-stop action also gives Paras plenty of experience, while his top-ranked teammates such as Brazilian Lucas Seiwart and Mila Accquah gain more chances to shine.

One of the most hotly anticipated games of the tournament will be on Wednesday when Cathedral plays against Maranatha, which boasts of one of the top high school players of the country in Tyler Dorsey.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Kobe Paras dishes out big games in Las Vegas

MANILA, Philippines – Kobe Paras scored big for the LA Cathedral Phantoms in the semifinals of the 2014 Las Vegas Prep Championship.

Kobe, the son of PBA legend and now actor Benjie Paras, had 23 points and seven boards to go with his three blocks against Las Vegas Valley High.

His efforts, however, were not enough to save his team from a 68-80 loss to Valley High.

Kobe also scored 22 points during their 76-49 victory over Basic Las Vegas High School during their quarterfinal clash.

The Cathedral High School recently dominated the San Fernando Valley Invitational to win the title. Kobe won all-tournament honors together with Filipino-American Jameel McGee.

Accompanying Kobe in the tournaments was his brother Andre.

Kobe first gained fans' attention when he made a slam dunk past LeBron James during the NBA superstar's "Witness History" tour in Manila last year.

Paras also won a Slam Dunk contest in the FIBA 3x3 Under-18 tournament.

He later moved to Los Angeles to play for Cathedral High School, and has now committed to play collegiate basketball for UCLA.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Kobe Paras nets 30 as Phantoms advance to finals

MANILA, Philippines – Cathedral High School marched to the title game of the San Fernando Invitational Tournament on Tuesday night after beating Alemany High School, 77-67.

Kobe Paras scored 30 points as the Phantoms led by as many as 24 points in the second half.

Eric Sondheimer of the Los Angeles Times reported that Paras received "M-V-P" chants from Cathedral fans thanks to his performance, which included two dunks.

"I'm feeling more comfortable. The first game, I did pretty bad," Paras told the LA Times. The Filipino youngster only scored four points in his first game for Cathedral.

"I just practiced a lot and listened to what coach wanted me to do," he added.

The five-day tournament features 20 teams from Southern California.

Cathedral, which features several top-ranked players including Fil-Am Jameel McGill, has blown out their opponents by more than 20 points in their first three games.

They will take on Chaminade High School in the finals. Chaminade is 8-0 so far, and defeated Crespi, 64-53, to advance to the finals.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Kobe Paras, Purple Ghosts beat Diego Prep at Staples

LOS ANGELES, California – Playing as the Los Angeles Purple Ghosts, it was a big victory for the Cathedral High School as their basketball team defeated Diego Prep, 76-61, at the famed Staples Center – home of the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers.

UCLA-bound Kobe Paras got off to a slow start in his Staples Center debut, but played in a physical manner, fighting for rebounds and making his way to the foul line.

While there were no official statistics kept, ABS-CBN North America counted 12 points for Paras, including a huge slam dunk.

"It's really different, because you see the stadium is really big," said the former La Salle Greenhills standout. "It's just amazing that you get to play on the court where a lot of professional teams have played in."

"The competition was really physical. There was a lot of banging, and I didn't know the game here would be that intense, so it was a great experience," he added.

While the score was close at halftime, 88th ranked Filipino-American senior Jameel McGill led a second-half surge for the Purple Ghosts.

"We played against a prep team, and they're older and more aggressive than high school players, so it's getting us ready for our season," said McGill.

The Purple Ghosts feature several highly ranked high school and international players, and the year-long program under Middlebrooks Basketball take part in these showcases that help improve their skills and their chances of winning when their season comes.

"It gives us team chemistry. We also got exposure today, and I feel like it's going to help us when we get deeper in the playoffs and play bigger games like this," said Milan Acquaah.

Paras and his teammates will play more top ranked teams over the next two months before the high school basketball season starts in January.

The victory over Diego Prep was also a revenge game of sorts for the Purple Ghosts, as they lost by 15 points several weeks ago.

The victory is a sign that the team is gelling together and improving each week.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Kobe Paras to play at Staples Center

LOS ANGELES, California – Days before a special Staples Center showcase, UCLA-bound Kobe Paras continues to work hard on his game along with his teammates in the Los Angeles Purple Ghosts squad.

"I'm excited, because I've never played in a stadium. Hopefully I do good and my teammates will, too," said Paras. "And hopefully, we'll get a win."

The high school season will start in January, but for now Paras plays for the LA Purple Ghosts, an elite team of teens coached by his Cathedral High coach William Middlebrooks.

The year-round program includes other nationally and state-ranked players, and some of his teammates are also exchange students. Brazilian Lucas Siewart, for instance, plays for his national team as well.

"It's good, the competition is good. It's one of the things I like," Siewart said. "He's from another country too, so we feel the same things like being homesick and stuff, so we talk about it."

Paras is not the only Filipino either. Vicente Mojares and Carter Avery are two prodigies, while Jameel McGill is ranked as the 88th best high school prospect in California.

"It's great because during practice, they're always pushing me," said McGill.

"It's a great experience for me because it helps me get better, especially when I play against guys like Kobe," said Mojares.

Paras, who moved to Los Angeles earlier this year, admits that being surrounded by other foreign players and fellow Filipinos has helped his transition in the United States.

"It feels cool to have teammates like that, because the other teams, they don't have teammates that are ranked. Having teammates at the highest level is really cool. It means we can compete and be friends and teammates," he said.

Tickets to Monday's LA Purple Ghosts showcase game are still available.

While showcase games are a chance for players to catch recruiters' eyes, there's no need for the UCLA-bound Paras to impress them, having already committed to the Bruins. Nevertheless, he wants to put on a good show in his new home.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Exclusive: UCLA-bound Paras looks to keep improving

LOS ANGELES, California – Filipino basketball fans remember Benjie Paras, the "Tower of Power," as one of the best players in Philippine basketball. And now one of his sons is making his own mark – not just in the Philippines but in the United States.

Just three miles away from the Staples Center where Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers play, another Kobe is taking Los Angeles by storm.

Two years from now, 6-foot-6 Cathedral High School junior guard Kobe Paras will be playing collegiate basketball at the prestigious University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA).

The son of the PBA legend, Kobe announced his decision to commit verbally to UCLA after several other universities also tried to recruit him.

"It was a really good experience, knowing I'm just a kid from the Philippines," said Kobe. "I didn't even know this was going to happen, so I just feel really lucky and blessed that I have this chance."

"That's UCLA, that's the biggest here in California, so I just wanted to commit. Ever since I was here, it's been a good experience, so it was cool," he added.

The 17-year-old La Salle Greenhills standout has been in the United States since December 2013, studying and playing for Cathedral High School, a private school just outside of downtown Los Angeles. He has also been gaining experience by playing with local teams.

"It's been a great experience. Hirap talaga ang parents na pumunta dito, but it's really cool and it's all worth it," said Kobe. "I got used to the homesickness already, and I keep in touch with my parents every day, so it's cool."

A member of the national team pool, known for his high-flying dunks and shooting skills, Paras spends most of his time in training in an effort to improve all aspects of his game.

"The style in the Philippines and here, the way they play, is really different. Like here, they're taller, more physical," said Kobe. "In the Philippines, they're short, quick, and physical, so getting my game right was one thing that I do. I guess I adjusted well."

His coach, William Middlebrooks, said Kobe has "consistently gotten better."

"He's figured out the speed of the game, how that's played. His athleticism, how to get his shot off, how to do certain moves," Middlebrooks said. "(He has also been) expanding on his defense and passes, just trying to make him a more complete player."

Recently, a few Filipino-Americans have made their mark at small colleges and in the NBA, but Kobe feels there is a larger sense of Pinoy pride as a homegrown Filipino.

When he suits up as a UCLA Bruin, Kobe joins Japeth Aguilar as the only other homegrown Filipino cager to play Division 1 college ball in the United States.

"I really don't focus on that part. I just play my game, but maybe after the game, I just realize that I'm not really playing for myself but for the country," he said.

The high school basketball season doesn't officially begin until December, but with regular tournaments and camps, Kobe will be on the court year-round.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com