English 9 Name: Viray, Samantha Q. Section: 9-Curie Kobe’s triumph beyond the court Kids pounding their bodies until they drop to the floor, hope shining on countless cancer patients, and the boundless upsurge in the loved sport of the basketball industry are just the little shockwaves that Kobe Bryant has made. Warming hearts and stirring minds of one and all into becoming greater, it is undeniable that the win-at-all-costs spirit of the Lakers legend gave birth to a new breed of basketball players from around the globe. His sophistication and fierce soul still linger in the hearts of many followers and internationally recognized basketball players. Kobe’s tender loving family who has to bear his loss in a helicopter crash, accompanied with 7 others and his second oldest daughter Gianna who was 13, will be a moment of grief and heart-warming tributes from nations. Bryant’s forceful career ended at 41. “Heroes come and go, but legends are forever” said by the utmost notorious basketball player of all time must have widened the outlook of youth in realizing the impossible. He was the so-called “Black mamba” of the league for having a stone-cold personality on court, with this he created the Mamba brand which encouraged youngsters to have a striking experience in learning basketball. Scored 60 points in his last game before retiring, and living his life earned with titles beyond other all-time-greats such as being the face of the 16-time NBA champion Lakers franchise. He was the league MVP in 2008 and a two-time NBA scoring champion, even more so his 81 points against the Toronto Raptors in 2006 is the second-highest single-game total in NBA history. Until now, Bryant is a monumental figure in the sport of basketball who is honored and hero-worshipped for reaching supremacy in the most human way possible. Beginning a production company was one of his many passions and made it fruitful, an animated short film by his studio “Dear Basketball” won an Oscar in 2018 alongside has also produced quality content for ESPN. Bryant’s work ethic has inspired others to commit themselves to their goal. He was also being a responsible and an active father, coaching Gianna to carry his legacy. Leading others to venture in becoming the best version of themselves was one of his most appreciated contributions to his students and supporters, coaching some of the most well-known NBA players including Kyrie Irving, Russell Westbrook, and Candace Parker. Exploring his vast opportunities, he has always filled his desires by giving out all his energy in anything he does. If his successful attempt of a slam-dunk over a mamba-filled pool does not seize to amaze you then it might be the 80’s dance Bryant presented before shooting a free throw. Kobe’s quirky little personality made fans adore him even more. Unfeasible leaps attained by the unparalleled dream worker Kobe Bryant are still being praised by many today, adding fuel to the imagination of numerous kids. Lifting the banner of NBA and sending 8 minority college students to study in Italy to learn more about diverse cultures for a promising tomorrow are just his genuine movements in making the world a better place. 17 year old Bryant joining NBA straight off high-school has inspired Lebron James and many potential players in conquering their fears and surpassing themselves. Kobe’s talents were an eyeopener to junior souls of the century, that said sustained rekindling the dreams of people into one.
