Gone but never forgotten: Kobe and Gianna Bryant

BY KAYLA KARIM

Kobe Bryant was not only known as an athlete, but a role model for many of his fans. His ‘Mamba Mentality’ that transcribed into his attitude and work ethic made him internationally known. Kobe, a person who can be identified by just his first name was known for his dominance in the NBA and his leadership off the court. He won five championships, had 15 All-Star Game appearances, four All-Star MVP Award, two NBA Finals MVP Awards and a regular-season MVP Award. He retired in 2016 after a 20 year run in the Association.

On Sunday January 26^th 2020, the never expected happened.

Kobe Bryant along with his daughter Gianna Bryant and 7 other people were on a helicopter that lost control and crashed killing every person on board. The chopper was on its way to Gianna’s basketball practice, a game that Kobe and his daughter shared.

This news was instantly spread around the world and within the day, memorials were set up honouring the international icon. Sunday was still game day for some teams including the Toronto Raptors. They were facing the San Antonio Spurs in Texas and heard the news only 30 minutes prior to tip off. Upon hearing the news, the San Antonio Spurs organization held a moment of silence for the individuals that were lost in the crash, and then when the ball was tipped both teams took 24 second violations in honour of the legend.

Around the league as the news was delivered, players paid tribute in their own ways. Many teams took 8 and 24 second violations to remember Kobe, other teams showed up to practice in jerseys that were numbered 8 or 24 to show their respect.

And while Kobe will be painfully missed, there was also his daughter Gianna Bryant who was becoming a star herself.

Gigi, as many knew her, was a WNBA star in the making. She was an active basketball player and was a fan of the University of Connecticut Huskies Women’s team. Mambacita, her other nickname that goes hand in hand with her dad’s ‘Black Mamba’ nickname, was honoured by the UCONN Huskies with a No. 2 jersey.

Team USA guard Sue Bird, a former Husky declined to bring the ball across midcourt resulting in an 8-second violation – again to honour Kobe Bryant.

The father and daughter attended several UCONN Husky games over the past few years sitting courtside and taking in the talent on the hardwood.

Vanessa Bryant, Kobe’s wife and mother of his 4 kids spoke for the first time since the accident saying:

“My girls and I want to thank the millions of people who’ve shown support and love during this horrific time. Thank you for all the prayers. We definitely need them.

We are completely devastated by the sudden loss of my adoring husband, Kobe — the amazing father of our children; and my beautiful, sweet Gianna — a loving, thoughtful, and wonderful daughter, and amazing sister to Natalia, Bianka, and Capri.”

Kobe, Gianna and the 7 other passengers on the flight will surely be missed by the NBA, WNBA and around the world.