The news started to trickle out but it couldn’t be true. Minutes passed but it felt like hours until the worst was confirmed.
NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his 13-yar old daughter, Gianna, along with seven others, had perished in a helicopter accident in Calabasas, California. The news rocked not only the basketball world but also the entire sports community. Kobe wasn’t just a basketball player, he was the Black Mamba, he transcended basketball.
Bryant was the ultimate competitor. He had a killer instinct, a devastating step back and an unparalleled work ethic. He was a hero to many in the game and you could see that written on the faces and shoes of several Gators on the floor Tuesday night.
Scottie Lewis’ shoes read, “Kobe Bryant this is 4 u” and Bryant’s numbers, 8 and 24, were scrawled on his each heel. The Gators laid out two of Bryant’s jerseys on their bench during warmups and they remained there until tipoff.
A tribute to Kobe Bryant here in Gainesville before the #Gators host Mississippi State. #RIPMamba pic.twitter.com/tBj7hgcQrS
— Nick de la Torre (@NickdelaTorreGC) January 28, 2020
Scottie came out of the gates playing inspired basketball. The freshman score Florida’s first seven points and 10 of their first 12.
“He was super impactful to my life as far as my mindset and compassion that I played with and how hard I work off the floor,” Lewis said of Bryant after the game. “This game was for him, really, my performance. Obviously we didn’t win and he’d probably be mad at me if he could talk to me.”
Bryant was just beginning the second phase of his life. At just 41 years old he had embraced the role of dad to his four daughters. He coached Gianna’s travel team. Her story was just beginning at only 13 years old. It’s an unimaginable tragedy and one that still is sinking in.
“I was sick to my stomach (when I heard the news). He was kind of a super hero to me. Obviously I never personally met him but growing up watching his videos and just his mindset and things like that I think is something every player and myself tries to embody. We lost a legend.