24Ever

Today we mourn the loss of an icon on and off the basketball court, Kobe Bryant. Kobe, his daughter Giana, and seven others were headed to Giana’s basketball game by helicopter Sunday afternoon. On their way, the helicopter crashed in Calabasas, killing everybody on board. The world is deeply saddened by this tragic event, and our deepest sorrows go out to the families and loved ones of everybody involved.

Kobe was a five-time NBA Champion, two-time Finals MVP, 18 time All Star, four-time All Star game MVP, league MVP, two-time Olympic gold medalist, 15-time all-NBA team selection, and 12-time all-defensive team selection. He is widely recognized as one of the greatest basketball players to ever live and a first ballot hall of famer. He was a true hero to the game of basketball.

But Kobe Bryant’s impact goes far beyond basketball. No matter what your profession is, you could look to Kobe as a role model and somebody to take habits from. His model of work ethic, competitiveness, desire, ambition, heart, and will were inspiring to millions of people. He was willingly to make do with what he had, play the hand he was dealt, take leadership of every situation, and display the heart of a lion on a nightly basis. No challenge or obstacle was too big. Nothing was impossible. He attacked every situation, no matter what was at stake, never fearing failure. Kobe’s legacy will live on forever, not only to the world of basketball, but to the world in general.

I can go on all day about Kobe. No matter if you were a fan of Kobe or not, no matter if you watched basketball or not, chances are you have heard of Kobe Bryant. I remember those days as a kid being in class kids would go to throw trash in the trash can and yell “KOBE” as

they shot the trash in the trash can. To this day playing basketball in the gym, you will hear people yell “KOBE” as they shoot the ball. He had that kind of effect on people’s live. And it doesn’t really seem real that he is really gone, it’s hard to make sense of the situation. He had just won an Oscar in 2018 and was beginning to attack Hollywood with the same mentality and competitiveness that he attacked basketball with. A true role model and icon, gone too soon at the age of 41. The Mamba Mentality lives on forever.

My deepest sorrows and condolences to all the families involved with those who lost their lives. And to all those who were on board and lost their lives way too soon, Rest in Love Forever.