Kobe Bryant was an amazing basketball player and person who worked to improve the recognition of women’s sports and was coaching lots of young women including his daughter to be the best basketball players they could be.

Sadly, on Jan. 26, 2020, Kobe and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna were killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California along with seven others. His 20-year career in the NBA, all playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, was illustrious and filled with exciting highlights, overcoming challenges, and lots of winning. He inspired millions of people with his extreme work ethic and passion for the game.

Kobe’s influence on the game of basketball has impacted four of Shorewood’s basketball players. Mainly how Kobe impacted them and their game, and how he continues to inspire them posthumously.  Symone Pease, junior, said that her favorite Kobe moment was the last game of his illustrious career. “My favorite Kobe moment was when he scored 60 points in the final game of his career,” Pease said.

This moment was iconic in a lot of people’s eyes and besides him winning championships, this may have been the greatest moment of his career. When asked if she took inspiration from any of Kobe’s moves to add to her game, Sabrina Musye, senior, said, “his iconic fadeaway.” Kobe’s fadeaway jump shot is one of the most recognizable moves in the history of the NBA and in all of sports. Jackson Galliardi, senior, said that Kobe’s extreme work ethic inspired him to always give it his all.

“Yes, his work ethic and Mamba mentality is what made him so great. His ability to never give up or quit, or ever let his emotions affect him on the court. It drives me to always put in the extra work and be the best I can be,” Galliardi said.

When asked about how his death affected him, Sean Santos, senior, said, “His death made me realize how I need to appreciate every moment.”