LeBron inspires more Kobe Paras in Manila comeback

MANILA, Philippines -- In 2013, LeBron James came here and inspired a 15-year old kid.

Two years later, that kid is already making waves in the United States and just one year away from playing in the US NCAA Division I with the UCLA Bruins. 

It was in James' first trip in Manila that Kobe Paras burst into the social media consciousness when he dunked over the two-time NBA champion and four-time MVP during the warm-up session leading to the unforgettable scrimmage. That youtube moment with LeBron was all Paras needed to rise from the local hoops scene and go international. 

In between 2013 and 2015, Paras' confidence grew bigger and bigger as he collected accolades one after another, from the FIBA 3x3 U-18 Slam Dunk titles to a starting gig in the Los Angeles Cathedral High School and later on a spot in the Bruins coached by Steve Alford. 

Last Friday night, Paras had a chance to play against James again. 

"It really inspired me because he's my idol talaga. So just by seeing him in person and him teaching us what the stars do is really crazy," Paras told Philstar.com. 

James returned to the country looking to inspire more Kobe Paras. 

"It feels great to be able to be someone that people look up to so that they can rise to the occasion. It comes from my upbringing. My story speaks for itself. My mom put me in this position. She had the strength to raise me by herself," James said in the press conference before heading to the game. 

This time, there was no dunk-in-your-face moment from Paras. But there was a hot shooting 12-year old girl who rose up to the challenge and made quite an impression on the Cleveland Cavaliers' star. 

Kristine Cayabyab was one of the 12 finalists in the Rise program, Nike's basketball reality search. 

She first grabbed attention when Indiana Pacers' star Paul George joined their first scrimmage last month. In one sequence, Cayabyab was able to steal the ball off George and went all the way for a fastbreak layup. She became the darling of the crowd literally and figuratively. 

On Friday night, Cayabyab, who hails from Dagupan in the north of Luzon, went on to beat Ateneo's Thirdy Ravena, Perlas Pilipinas' Ewon Arayi in the three-point shootout at halftime.

With the crowd cheering her on, Cayabyab hit 15 points to top Ravena and Arayi's 11 points apiece that had James standing up on his feet. 

Cayabyab only knew about James' standing ovation when she went back to their bench. It was all she needed to boost up her confidence as she carried the momentum into the second half and drained three-pointers after another against men. 

"Hindi ko napansin na napatayo po siya. Sinabi lang po sa akin. Masayang-masaya po ako tapos sabi po niya sa akin nung photo shoot namin na magaling daw akong basketball player, ipagpatuloy ko lang po," said an ecstatic Cayabyab. 

James even playfully hugged her during one play in the second half to stop her from getting the ball. 

"Masayang-masaya po ako dahil nakalaro ko si LeBron.  Niyakap pa niya ako para depensahan tapos tawa lang kami ng tawa. Tapos pinirmahan niya ang sapatos ko at binigyan niya ako ng bola na may pirma niya," said Cayabyab showing off her autographed shoes. 

The 5-foot-8 second year high school student took that life-changing moment with her into their final game last Sunday in the House of Rise in front of their families and player scouts. 

She went up against Perlas Pilipinas' mainstay Allana Lim, who scored 12 points. Cayabyab did not back down and hit a three-pointer and a couple of layups. 

After the buzzer and another impressive game from Cayabyab, FEU coaching staff handed her a varsity jacket which she gamely worn as a sign of accepting a college athletic scholarship.

"Pagkatapos po nitong Nike Rise, babalik po ako sa amin sa Dagupan para i-share ko po 'yung mga natutunan ko. Then babalik po ako dito sa Manila for college," Cayabyab said.

Cayabyab dreams of making it to the women's national team in the future and represent the country.  James and everyone who saw her play agreed she has the makings of a star. 

The NBA superstar acknowledged the Filipino's passion for the game epitomized by Cayabyab. 

"First of all, you guys are crazy. Unbelievable. It's an honor to be here in the Philippines. You guys are freaking believers. Thank you so much. Rise above everything, no matter what it is. Rise above the hardships, rise above adversities, rise everything. Imagine what these Rise kids are doing. I am honored to be part of the process. So please keep on supporting them," James told the big Friday night crowd. 

For Paras, that LeBron moment gave him the chance to be discovered overseas. 

For Cayabyab, that LeBron moment gave her a shot of confidence to rise above her physical limitations to play the game being dominated by men. 

"Gusto ko pong patunayan na kaya ko pong maglaro kahit mga lalake ang kalaban. Magandang training na rin po ito sa akin para masanay ako sa tough competition," Cayabyab said. 

For James, those Rise moments will define his greatness more than his accomplishments on the court.