Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) waves as he walks off the court during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Salt Lake City. Bryant, the 18-time NBA All-Star who won five championships and became one of the greatest basketball players of his generation during a 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers, died in a helicopter crash Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020. Photo Credit:AP Photo/Rick Bowmer

By Shane Clausing

1978-2020

Grande Prairie basketball community mourns the death of Kobe Bryant

Jan 28, 2020 | 12:45 PM

The basketball world lost one of its biggest icons Sunday, following a tragic helicopter crash in Southern California that killed nine people including Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna.

Kobe’s career was nothing short of sensational. He finished his career fourth all-time in NBA scoring, won five championships with the Lakers and was an 18-time NBA All-Star.

Kobe’s impact on basketball could be felt around the world, in the province of Alberta and right here in Grande Prairie.

“Seeing the news was pretty devastating. Everybody at least my age, grew up watching him. No matter what sport you played you knew about the mamba mentality, and you knew it meant to do whatever it takes to win. It’s pretty sad to see somebody like that taken from us so early,” said Jeremy Pynn, a third-year player for Grande Prairie Regional College’s men’s basketball team.

“I thought that Kobe was an idol to lots of young and old athletes,” says Darian Goertzen a second-year player on the GPRC men’s basketball team. “His whole mamba mentality, it doesn’t matter what sport you’re in, you can look up to that and try to mimic his work ethic and passion for the game. I think for him it translated from being an athlete, to being a parent. He gave it 110 percent. I think we could all take something from that.”

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Bryant’s game was one that fans around the world could marvel at. Whether it was his fadeaway shot, or one of his awe-inspiring dunks, many young basketball players wanted to be like him.

“I think everyone in this generation has crunched up a ball of paper, threw it at a trash can and yelled ‘Kobe!’ Everyone models their game after him. The post fadeaway, the turnaround jumper, the way he pulled his jersey away when he won his championship. All the little things that when you’re in the park playing some pickup ball you do the same things. It’s all part of the mamba mentality and it’s a way I definitely shaped my game personally,” said Saxon Joyes a first-year basketball player at GPRC.

The Mamba Mentality can be described as such in a quote from Kobe in 2013.

“If you see me in a fight with a bear, prey for the bear”. I’ve always loved that quote. That’s “mamba mentality” we don’t quit, we don’t cower, we don’t run. We endure and conquer. Stop feeling sorry for yourself, find the silver lining and get to work with the same belief, same drive and same conviction as ever.”

Kobe also became a leader in how people perceived women’s basketball and sports. His daughter Gianna aspired play in the WNBA one day.

He had taken Gianna to many NBA, WNBA and NCAA games with the hopes of helping inspire her.

“Kobe definitely was changing the world in women’s basketball. Sometimes it’s not aired, and it’s viewed lower than men’s basketball. He was definitely trying to make it equal with his daughter on the uprise,” said Carly Rombs, a second-year guard with the GPRC women’s basketball team.

“Most of us grew up admiring his on-court skills, and the way he conducted his business of basketball,” said GPRC’s Women’s Basketball Coach Bill Bradley. “Working with young women, I always try making a point of showing them that he was an advocate for them and their sport. He knew that everyone deserves a chance and equal opportunity and that he meant a lot for not just basketball, but women athletes.”

Kobe Bryant may be gone, but his impact and moments won’t soon be forgotten in the basketball community.