The Black Mamba..

The Beginning of A Legacy

Wednesday on June 26 1996 in the first round of the NBA draft the Charlotte Hornets selected Kobe Bryant from Lower Merion High school. An 18 year old high school star who had been showing out during his time in high school decided he wanted to take his talents straight to the NBA. But the Hornets made a deal with the Los Angeles that featured the young high school star for Lakers veteran Vlade Divac. Thus the beginning of a legacy of Kobe Bryant. One of the greatest players the NBA has ever seen.

The Black Mamba

Kobe Bryant changed the game of basketball. With his dynamic footwork, his buzzer beater shots, the jersey biting in the fourth quarter, the signature turn around jumper from midrange. But above all what really made Kobe Bryant an NBA icon and eventually a legend, wasn’t just his incredible talent that outshined so many other stars in the league. It was his incredible work ethic and will to never give up. A will that refused to accept defeat, a drive and passion for the game that motivated him to to never give up. A work ethic that dedicated hours on end to working on the game of basketball. These components came together to make what is now known as “Mamba Mentality”. Mamba Mentality was relentless. It was fearless, it was passionate, it was challenging, it was sacrifice, it was true and love for the game of basketball. Kobe wore it on his sleeve and it drove him to be one of the greatest basketball players the world had ever seen. And everyone who watched him play knew that he’d do whatever it takes to win. From scoring 81 points in Toronto, to averaging 35.5 points in a regular season. From hitting big shots in the fourth quarter to give his team the lead when they needed him most. From hitting huge shots in the olympics to winning 5 NBA championships. From battling injury after injury ad refusing to back down to shooting big free throws after tearing his achilles. From big moment to big moment. Mamba mentality was shown in every facet of Kobe Bryant’s career. Even in his last game where he scored 60 points. He had given everything he had to the game of basketball. Everything that was left in the tank was given on the floor for the final time. We got to watch Kobe make history one last time. His final words on the basketball floor were “Mamba Out”. The end of his basketball career would begin a new chapter in his life.

A New Chapter

A new chapter of being a full time dad to his kids. He became his daughter GiGi’s basketball coach. GiGi was becoming a slight star of herself, showing flashes of her dad in the games she played. It looked like GiGi was going to follow in her fathers footsteps. Kobe also made a short film that even won an Oscar award. This was the start of something special. This new chapter was looking truly beautiful. But sadly this chapter ended far too soon. On Sunday January 26th 2020, Kobe Bryant and his daughter GiGi (along with 7 other passengers) died in a helicopter crash. The two were heading to a basketball game that Kobe would coach.

The world was left in shock after a sudden death that was hard to believe. Fans and athletes all over the world were heartbroken when the death was revealed on the news. Many people went to social media to express the sadness and sorrow felt when hearing the tragic news of the horrible accident that happened on Sunday. What seemed as sports news, was actually world news. People all over the world had tears and grief for Kobe and his family. It showed that Kobe Bryant was more than just a basketball player. He was a man who inspired the world. Fans, friends and family gathered round to honor the legacy that Kobe had left behind. Teams around the NBA had honored him by running out the 24 second shot clock. The same number Kobe wore on his jersey for 10 seasons. Other teams took a 8 second violation to get the ball across half court. The same number Kobe wore in the first 10 seasons of his career.

He was more than an athlete

He was more than an NBA Superstar

He was more than an NBA Legend

He was Kobe Bean Bryant

Someone who I, and many of the world looked up to. We will miss Kobe and his daughter. We will forever cherish the memories and legacy that he left behind for us to watch forever.

Rest In Peace Kobe Bryant.