I am sorry for delivering this very sad news to you. When I first heard, I honestly thought it was a joke. Sunday morning the whole world went into shock as news of Kobe Bryant’s death stumbled around news outlets.

Kobe Bryant, one of basketball’s greatest players and most masterful scorers of all time, was among the passengers who died Sunday in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. NBA commissioner Adam Silver mentioned Bryant and his daughter by name.

“The NBA family is devastated by the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna. We send our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Vanessa, and their family, the Lakers organization and the entire sports world,” Silver said.

Bryant retired in 2016 as a five-time NBA champion, 11-time All-NBA first-team selection, 2008 MVP, two-time Finals MVP, 18-time All-Star and four-time All-Star MVP who spent his 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers. He also won gold medals with USA Basketball at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2012 London Olympics.

“Los Angeles is mourning the loss of one of our most beloved legends and icons. Though Kobe Bryant is no longer with us, our city will never forget what he meant to us, and we will keep his legacy alive forever,” Los Angeles resident said.

I feel really bad about this tragic incident that happened to a star I looked up to. The night before his death, I was watching a motivational video about Kobe when he sat down with famous entrepreneur Patrick Bet-David to talk about Kobe’s untold stories about how he came to success in life and basketball. I remember Kobe talked about the day when he finally dedicated his life to basketball when he was just 13-years-old. Every day since then, he made a choice to benefit him in the future of basketball.

I started to admire Kobe when I was 10-years-old and I became basketball enthusiast. He was my own idol, a superhero-like figure. When he went high for a dunk, it looked magical to me. It reminded me that I can fly too, and be above others.

“Basketball for me was the most important thing,” Bryant said. “Everything I saw, whether it was TV shows, books I read, people I talked to, everything was done to become a better basketball player. So when you have that point of view, the world becomes your library to help you become better at your craft.”

When Kobe retired in 2016, I was sad, but he had a great record of accomplishments. He proves to be the best NBA player in my opinion. He gave his all to us fans each time he hit the court. I remember when Kobe had a high fever, and he played a whole game sick. I learned that the greats take a rest, but the best never rest. Mamba mentality lives on, and it’s about how you should put in 110% every game and every practice;  if you’re prepared, you’ll never be nervous while playing the game.

Kobe taught me a lot, but the most important thing I’ll take away is if you want to be great it’s simple. Mamba mentality will live on through me. 

“Practice every 2-3 hours a day if you do that for every week it turns to every month then every month turns to every year and no matter what’s the competition is within 5 years of doing this you will pass the talented and the greats because you would be the best,” Kobe said. 

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