Kobe Paras: Video Highlights for UCLA Recruit

The UCLA Bruins have already secured a commitment from prized Filipino basketball recruit Kobe Paras for their 2016 class.    

Sharing a first name with Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant is reason enough to buzz about Paras' skills and decision to take his talents to one of the most storied college programs.

And that's not even to mention the fact that he dunked on LeBron James in July 2013 at a Nike Witness Exhibition Show in Manila:

Paras is slated to be a part of the Bruins' 2016 recruiting class and is listed as a 3-star prospect by 247Sports' composite rankings, which place him as the 37th-ranked shooting guard and inside the top 200 overall nationally in his class.

The young, budding star's coach at Cathedral High School in Los Angeles, William Middlebrooks, insists Paras has more to offer than his ability to throw down highlight-reel jams.

"Most know him for his dunking, but he can shoot the three, dribbles and passes," said Middlebrooks, per the Los Angeles Times' Eric Sondheimer. "He's highly skilled and is adapting to the style of play in America."

Paras is eager to prove himself as an all-around player, too.

"I want to show everybody it's not all about dunking or highlights," said Paras, per Sondheimer. "It's about what you do on the court."

The highlight of Paras soaring over James, even though the Cleveland Cavaliers superstar wasn't selling out to deny him at the rim, shows off Paras' evident hops and raw athleticism.

That was on display yet again at the FIBA 3x3 U18 World Championships, when he took home the top prize in the Honda Dunk Contest:

With some celebratory dance moves to boot, Paras certainly doesn't shy away from the spotlight. That will be a vital intangible to maintain as he makes his eventual transition to UCLA—and in adjusting to the U.S. brand of basketball in general.

TJ Manotoc, a sportscaster in the Philippines, noted the significance Paras' sport of choice has in his homeland—and how it will only lend to an even greater following.

"Basketball is a religion here," said Manotoc, via Sondenheimer. "The only time kids on the street don't play ball is when Manny Pacquiao has a fight."

Being mentioned in the same breath as Bryant, James and Pacquiao is some gaudy company, and it's part of the reality that Paras will have to deal with as he makes the transition to college. There is still time for Paras to hone his skills at the high school level, but his natural knack for playing above the rim will serve him well as he continues his promising development.

The reason Paras may not be as highly regarded in recruiting rankings is due to the fact that he's only been seen in flashes so far. At 6'5", he has ideal height for a 2-guard and can boost his stock by showing off his versatility as a senior at Cathedral.

A lot of pressure will be on Paras to live up to the immense hype he's generated back home and now stateside with his decision to attend UCLA. So far, he appears up to the task from a playing and personality standpoint.