Kobe Paras inks with UCLA Bruins

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Kobe Paras officially signed a letter of intent to play for the UCLA Bruins in the next four years starting from 2016-17.

UCLA coach Steve Alford confirms the signing of Paras in his post in Twitter account @UCLAMBB as the Bruins plans to bounce back to their elite status in the US NCAA.

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

The Bruins have won the Pac-12 championship in Alford’s first year and went on to the NCAA Sweet 16 in his first two seasons. UCLA rose popularity from 1963 to 1975 during the John Wooden era where the Bruins gained a record of 10 national championships in a 12-year stretch, but didn’t won a national title since 1995 and went to the Final Four in 2008.

@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

Aside from the Filipino basketball prodigy Kobe, the 6’10” Ike Anigbogu and 6’5” Lonzo Ball are among players who will be part of the UCLA. All of them have either played against each other during the season or played during the summer leagues.

The 6’6” Paras said that his stint with the Bruins opens up endless possibilities. Playing in a big-time college basketball league is a step closer to his dream of being an NBA player. He has now the opportunity to develop into an NBA-caliber player under a good basketball program.