Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna “Gigi” Bryant, and others died in a helicopter crash on Sunday. Kobe was 41 and Gigi was 13.
The news shocked the world, including high-profile figures and players in women’s basketball. Many current and former players not only see Kobe Bryant as a legend for the NBA and L.A. Lakers, but considered him an idol in the sport.
They’ve also expressed appreciation for his support for the WNBA and women’s college basketball over the years since his retirement in 2016. His daughter Gigi was 13, and also played – she wanted to eventually play in the WNBA.
Rebecca Lobo broke down into tears while in studio for ESPN at halftime of the Oregon-Oregon State game. Legendary Rutgers head coach C. Vivian Stringer was in Michigan for a Big 10 matchup. She grabbed the arm of the person who told her the news and repeatedly whispered, “Jesus Christ.”
“Everything I do, I do it for him, obviously,” Ionescu said after Oregon’s win over Oregon State Sunday. “He was a close friend, and this season’s for him.”
The WNBA itself weighed in as well.
“The WNBA mourns the sudden and tragic loss of NBA Great Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna,” the league said in a statement. “Kobe’s support for the WNBA and women’s basketball along with his passion for helping young girls and boys follow their dreams made him a true legend for our sport. On behalf of the WNBA, it is an incredibly sad day for all of us and we send our deepest condolences to his family and all those who mourn his passing.”
More reactions in women’s basketball:
.@LA_Sparks star Chiney Ogwumike on Kobe and Gianna Bryant:
— Mirjam Swanson (@MirjamSwanson) January 26, 2020
“We knew her to be the rising star, the one that would carry the torch, who would rep his name on the back of the jersey.” pic.twitter.com/ILufypENhd
Sabrina Ionescu mourns her friend Kobe Bryant ahead of her game against Oregon State. pic.twitter.com/urdYuFSNW5
— espnW (@espnW) January 26, 2020
Kobe and Gianna meant a lot to our program. Our thoughts are with the Bryant family.
— UConn Women’s Basketball (@UConnWBB) January 26, 2020
Mamba Mentality will live on forever, but they are deeply missed. 💙 pic.twitter.com/4Ib96yFxgg
Two weeks ago I got to meet and converse about life and basketball with one of my favorite players EVER. I got to watch and meet his daughter GiGi as well. Life is too short. This one hurts BAD. Prayers up to Vanessa and the family. 🙏🏾💔 pic.twitter.com/ZfVcUMwMAS
— Jordin Canada ✨ (@jordin_canada) January 26, 2020
No @NBA player supported the @WNBA or women’s college basketball more than Kobe. He attended games, watched on tv, coached the next generation. We pray for his family. https://t.co/ZhTCxD3sRg
— Rebecca Lobo (@RebeccaLobo) January 26, 2020
Ben Rosof contributed to this report.
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