HS coach believes Kobe Paras has good chance to reach NBA

MANILA, Philippines -- Kobe Paras' high school coach William Middlebrooks believes that if he continues to get better, the NBA is a not far-fetched idea. 

Paras has just signed a four-year commitment to play for the UCLA Bruins on Thursday (Manila time) starting next season. 

@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

Middlebrooks, who facilitated his recruitment to the UCLA Bruins, challenged Paras to stay focused especially under the bright lights of college basketball in one of the most storied basketball programs in the US. 

READ: UCLA coach Steve Alford thrilled to sign Kobe Paras to 4-yr deal

In an earlier interview with Middlebrooks via via the Dunking Frogs Foundation Media Department, the LA Cathedral Phantoms and Middblebrooks Academy founder and coach thinks Paras is more advanced in his development compared to some of the current NBA players when they were still in high school. 

"If Kobe continues to develop and live in the gym working on his game, he has as good a chance as anyone to emerge as a potential NBA player. He is not there yet but he is definitely ahead of several guys who are currently in the NBA at this same stage in their careers," Middlebrooks told Philstar.com in an email. 

He warned though that Paras should not stay away from the path laid down for him. 

"Many guys get passed up, particularly in college, because they stop focusing on getting better and get caught up in "college life." Others fall off due to injury. The question is whether Kobe will stay focused and dedicated throughout the entire process," Middlebrooks said.  "If he does that, I can see him getting his name called on Draft Day."

Middlebrooks has been a father figure to him aside from being his coach ever since he was recruited to play for him in the LA Cathedral Phantoms then later at his Middlebrooks Academy Sphinx, who improved to 4-1 win-loss card following their 56-47 win over the OP Eagles last Nov. 1. 

05 - OP Eagles 11-01-15 (W 56-47) from Middlebrooks Basketball on Vimeo.