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.