Kobe

It was around 3pm, Saturday, January 25th when I walked my wife, two daughters, and good friend and his daughter to our min-van to see them off after we just finished a great, competitive game at the Mamba Cup tournament in Thousand Oaks. After saying our goodbyes, I started walking back to my truck. I knew I had a couple of hours before I was going to coach my next game, so I wasn’t in any hurry. As I climbed the steps from the parking lot I was coming from to the front entrance of the Mamba Center, I couldn’t help but notice Kobe Bryant and what had to be some of the players and parents of his daughter’s club team that he coached. I paused, soaking in the Southern California winter sun and crisp air, genuinely feeling in the moment and appreciating the magnitude of this man’s presence and the mark he has made on our world. At the same time, appreciating the simplicity of a father coaching his child in a youth basketball tournament. As a lifelong Laker fan, it was simply a cool moment that got even better… I watched him get into his black SUV on the passenger’s side and as they started to drive towards the exit they curved around in from of me and I was inspired to shout out, “Go Lakers, go Kobe!” In return I got his eye contact and a peace sign with his hand. By no means am I a fan boy, but it was definitely a special moment. I couldn’t help but call my wife and relay the experience to her, laughing about the randomness of the encounter. Fast forward to the next morning as we are back at it, competing again in the second day of the tournament. It was after a time out that the referee and friend, informed me that Kobe had passed. In disbelief, I immediately grabbed my phone to confirm the news. Sure enough it was all over social media. As the game continued and in shock I quickly noticed the adults in the crowd berried in their phones, not really paying attention to the game at hand. We finished the game, doing the traditional “good game” handshakes and as I met eye to eye with the opposing coaches, who happened to be friends of mine through the game of basketball, it was a quick acknowledgement of the surreal moment. All three of us coaches share a passion for the game and have daughters that we are sharing that passion for the game with. Just like Kobe and his daughter Gigi… Passion… that is what comes to mind when I think about Kobe… The Mamba Mentality… Work ethic, desire to be the best, never give up, always believe, always compete! Maybe this is why it is hitting me so hard, maybe it is the connection of being a father coaching his kids in a game that we shared a passion for or maybe it is the compassion for his wife, kids, parents, family, and friends, but I guarantee that this event will only inspire me to continue to work my tail off in all that I do, sharing my passion and love for the game and its teachings, pulling out the best in all of my players and reminding myself daily that, “All you need is Love” and that every day is a gift. Make it your masterpiece… I am thankful to have experienced so many Black Mamba moments and I am thankful for the opportunity to share my passion for the game of basketball. This is the ultimate “Next Play” moment. We can’t change what has come to pass, but we sure can appreciate his contributions and harness the essence of what he stood for. As he said in his speech at his last game, “Mamba out!” Rest in Peace Kobe Bean Bryant! 1978-2020.

Are You Watching?

Playing the game of basketball is hands down the best way to get better, but that's not always possible. When you aren't playing, are you talking about it, reading about it, and are you WATCHING it. From the pros on down, there is valuable lessons to be learned just by watching the games. You can pick up new moves, learn about the various rules of the game (From one level to another it can be very different), and you can definitely learn what not to do. The bottom line is the more you watch the more you absorb. You hear the term "High basketball IQ"... That's just a fancy way of saying somebody that "knows" the game and knowledge of the game is one of the factors that can keep you on the court. It will help increase your playing time!

For any youth basketball player, I would suggest you get out to some local high school games as well as watching the pros and college games. The high school level is much more in line with the style, skill, and athleticism that most youth players are at. If you can get to a good cross town rivalry game you will enjoy a competitive and spirited community focused on something positive happening. I fear, in a lot of places, we have lost that local sense of pride in our high school athletic programs. I know in Ventura County, where I live, there are quite a few that are still alive and thriving. In the city of Ventura, the Buena, Ventura games always pack the house. Games like these can be very inspiring for the younger elementary and middle school players. It gives them something to look forward to and work towards. And it gives them a great sense of the increased speed, skill, and complexity of the game at the next level.

Again, the best way to get better is to put the time in doing it, but spending a good amount of time just watching sure can help too... Especially if you have somebody to watch with who can help you break down the various aspects of what you are seeing.

So put down the electronics and turn on a game, or better yet, get out and see some games live!