In late January, the basketball community and the world lost an all-time great, Kobe Bryant, and his daughter, GiGi, along with seven others, in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California.

Bryant, aged 41, was an 18-time All-Star, 15-time All-NBA Team selection, five-time NBA Finals Champion and 12-time NBA All-Defensive Team selection.

Along with his illustrious list of achievements, Bryant was also the MVP of those All-Star appearances four times, which is the record. In his honor, the award was named after him in the build-up to this year’s game: the NBA All-Star Game Kobe Bryant MVP.

The first winner of this award was LA CLippers forward Kawhi Leonard, representing Team LeBron, who wore #2 in honor of GiGi. Team Giannis wore #24 for Kobe.

This tragedy impacted our community, as well. The Blue Crew made the theme of the student section for the next game after the helicopter crash purple and gold, in honor of Kobe and GiGi.

Their deaths especially affected the boys basketball team, as many of them looked up to and idolized Kobe.

“His death has encouraged me to work even harder because our days are numbered and there’s no time to wait on anyone,” senior guard Alan Freeman said.

Senior forward Andrew Reasor also shared his thoughts on Kobe.

“His death was a big shock as I watched him play and retire when I was younger,” Reasor said.

They also shared their favorite Kobe memories.

“My favorite memory of Kobe was just watching him constantly dominate the game every time he stepped on the floor,” Freeman said. “Whether offensively or defensively, he always gave 110% and that alone is unforgettable.”

“My best Kobe memory was when he scored 61 in his last game.,” Reasor added.
The pair of seniors also added how Kobe inspired them on the court and in their work ethic.

“As a player, Kobe inspired me to work harder than everyone else around you,” Freeman said. “Tons of people have NBA aspirations and in order to secure a position, you have to outwork them, no shortcuts.”

“He taught me confidence in your own ability to shoot and just play,” Reasor said.

The community has continued to mourn the Bryants. To lose a legend at a young age is enough, but to lose his daughter, as well, that is truly devastating.

“Losing Kobe and GiGi was not just a sad day for basketball fans, but for the entire world,” Streak Nation leader Jake Smith said. “Kobe was not just a man who played basketball, but a public figure who showed people that hard work pays off in the end. This world lost a father and daughter that had a connection no one could match.”