More Than a Man...a Mentality

Kobe Bryant was more than a basketball player, more than a husband, and more than a father. He was an inspiration. Every day of his life, Kobe gave his all, often the first one to arrive at the gym for practice and games, and the last one to leave. His never-ending passion for his craft, and his devotion to the game of basketball, is what led to the creation of the so-called, “Mamba Mentality.” This pursuit of perfection was easy to see, and it is what led Los Angeles Lakers' fans to embrace Kobe in the way they did, and still do.

But the one thing Kobe loved more than the game of basketball was his family. Kobe never let work distract him from spending time with his wife and four daughters, and was often seen with his youngest, Gianna, on the sidelines of WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) games, coaching her on the game and assisting her goal of becoming a future WNBA legend.

Tragically, both Kobe and Gianna, along with seven others, perished in a helicopter accident on the morning of January 26 while on their way to a basketball tournament in southern California. The whole world hurt, and people from all walks of life paid tribute to the Black Mamba, and continue to reflect on the message he spread during his life: to work hard and be the best you can be.

Entering the NBA right after high school, Kobe had more of a gap between him and stardom than the usual rookie, who entered the league with at least a year of college basketball under their belt. But this never deterred Kobe; in fact, it drove him. Kobe wanted to be the best player the game had ever known, but he didn’t want to be the next Michael Jordan, or the next Magic Johnson, instead striving every day in the hopes of becoming the first Kobe Bryant.

While we might not all be great at basketball, we can all embrace the Mamba Mentality every day. By pursuing greatness in whatever we do, and in all we do, we improve our lives, and honor the memory of one of the greatest men to ever live. Kobe once said, “(Your attitude and drive in life is) the one thing you can control. You are responsible for how people remember you or don’t. So don’t take it lightly.”

We will always remember Kobe Bryant as a loving father and husband, an outstanding teacher and mentor, and a phenomenal basketball player.

Rest in peace, Kobe and Gianna.