Sports world reflects on Kobe Bryant’s impact on the fifth anniversary of his death as fans and players alike remember the legendary NBA star. Five years ago today, Kobe Bryant, alongside his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others, tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. He was just 41 years old.
Bryant’s influence continues to resonate throughout the sports and entertainment industries, evidenced by the heartfelt tributes that flooded social media, honoring his remarkable achievements both on and off the basketball court.
Dearica Hamby fondly recalls the moments when Bryant sat courtside at WNBA games, a testament to his commitment to women’s basketball.
She first met him years ago when he frequently attended games of her former team, the Las Vegas Aces.
“One of the first things he told me was that I could play defense,” Hamby reminisced. “I was kind of like ‘Wha-at?’ … That’s something I’ll cherish with me forever.”
This interaction encapsulated Bryant’s dedication to uplifting the women’s game. Following his illustrious 20-year NBA career, he shifted his focus to mentoring the next generation, guiding renowned players such as WNBA champion Diana Taurasi and former Oregon standout Sabrina Ionescu.
Bryant invested time in training sessions, breaking down their games, and advocating for them to achieve the same recognition as their male counterparts in the NBA.
For Hamby, now playing with the Los Angeles Sparks, Bryant’s encouragement revealed a defensive skill she hadn’t recognized in herself.
“If Kobe tells you [that] you can play defense, you can play defense,” she joked.
Numerous women’s basketball players reflected on Bryant’s profound impact on their sport, expressing confidence that he would be thrilled with the strides women’s athletics have made, particularly in recent years.
This growth is especially visible in the arenas of women’s basketball that Bryant and Gianna cherished.
The WNBA recently celebrated its most-watched regular season in 24 years and achieved its highest attendance in 22 seasons. Some of the league’s top players are now part of a new 3-on-3 league in South Florida called Unrivaled, created by Olympic champions Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier.
“We carry this on for him,” stated Satou Sabally, a forward with the Dallas Wings, who plays for the Phantom team in Unrivaled. “He would be so proud of this league. He would be proud of ‘Phe and Stewie. I know that he’s looking down, and hopefully he’s smiling and is proud of us.”
Sabally still feels emotional when reflecting on January 26, 2020, remembering how she and her teammates at Oregon bonded over their admiration for Bryant.
“I think about … how we all bonded together over Kobe and how we bonded together for the rest of our lives because he was so impactful,” Sabally expressed. “He recognized us women as the talents we are. He came to the games, he was so outspoken, and he was truly supportive.”
Kate Martin of the Golden State Valkyries, who plays for Laces BC at Unrivaled, shared her vivid memory of hearing the news of Bryant’s passing. “I still remember exactly where I was when we heard the news, and no one really knew if it was fake or real. It’s one of those moments you never forget.”
Although Martin never met Bryant, she admires his relentless competitive spirit and how he elevated women’s sports.
Bryant was deeply involved in his daughters’ basketball journeys, coaching Gianna’s youth team and frequently attending women’s games, especially those featuring the UConn Huskies, which Gianna adored. She was poised to continue her father’s legacy on the court, with plans to attend Connecticut and eventually join the WNBA.
A lasting image from the sports world depicts Kobe and Gianna at a 2019 game featuring the Los Angeles Lakers, where he wore a bright orange pullover adorned with a white WNBA logo, while Gianna sat proudly beside him.
“Many started to follow Kobe because he recognized our gift and our talent,” remarked former Chicago Sky head coach Teresa Weatherspoon, now coaching Unrivaled’s Vinyl BC. “And his daughter was right there as well.”
Bryant had become a prominent advocate for women’s sports.
“He’s greatly missed,” Martin reflected. “But now his legacy will live on forever.”
