Nessuno si è tirato indietro, hanno tutti voluto ricordare e salutare Kobe Bryant, l’ex stella dei Los Angeles Lakers scomparsa a seguito di un tragico incidente a bordo del suo elicottero. Con lui viaggiava la figlia Gianna di 13 anni e altre 7 persone, tutte morte. Il mondo del college basket ha ovviamente voluto lasciare il suo saluto a un campione della pallacanestro mondiale, a partire da coach K, l’allenatore di Duke, che lo ha allenato con Team Usa. Ecco una carrellata delle testimonianze e dei ricordi del Black Mamba di queste ore.
Coach K (Duke)
“We tragically lost one of the greatest sports figures of our time with the passing of Kobe Bryant. He was an incredibly gifted and universally respected person. He was always looking to do something special and there will never be a greater warrior in our sport. I had the immense honor of coaching Kobe at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, and I will always remember how much he cherished representing his first class country by playing the game he loved so much. The basketball game is better today because of Kobe, and he deserves eternal appreciation for that”.
Sabrina Ionescu (Oregon)
La ragazza dei record, vicina a Kobe, lo ha voluto omaggiare prima, durante e dopo la partita di ieri contro Oregon State.
Sabrina Ionescu mourns her friend Kobe Bryant ahead of her game against Oregon State. pic.twitter.com/urdYuFSNW5
— espnW (@espnW) January 26, 2020
"This season's for him." @sabrina_i20 on the loss of her friend Kobe Bryant: pic.twitter.com/L7S1fyDpEJ
— ESPN (@espn) January 26, 2020
Jay Williams
L’analyst di ESPN per il college basketball è intervenuto in tv quando la notizia della morte di Kobe era stata data relativamente da poco. Il suo, un tributo genuino, sentito e profondo.
Chris Collins (Northwestern)
Chris Collins said he’s known Kobe since he was born. Their dads were teammates for the 76ers. CC: “Every minute’s precious, man.” pic.twitter.com/7R5cUQUOSE
— Teddy Greenstein (@TeddyGreenstein) January 27, 2020
Jim Boeheim (Syracuse)
Kobe Bryant was not only one of the greatest basketball players ever, he was also the hardest working player I’ve ever been around. I was so fortunate to have known him and coached him with Team USA. Our thoughts and our prayers are with his wife, Vanessa, and the Bryant family.
— Jim Boeheim (@therealboeheim) January 26, 2020
Tom Izzo (Michigan State)
"It makes you just realize, every day, live each day. We all got to do a better job of that."
– Tom Izzo, on Kobe Bryant's death pic.twitter.com/D02HRPxlk8
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) January 26, 2020
Jay Wright (Villanova)
Rest In Peace Kobe Bryant – a sad day for all of sports – Kobe was a pioneer and legendary ambassador for the game of basketball . Thoughts and prayers go out to Kobe’s family . https://t.co/kn03JPIjzb
— Jay Wright (@VUCoachJWright) January 26, 2020
Danny Manning (Wake Forest)
RIP to one of the greatest players, people and fathers I’ve ever had the opportunity to play against and know. You helped elevate the game to new heights and motivated millions.
Kobe, you will be missed. Much love ✊🏾#MambaMentality pic.twitter.com/LBNrPll21Y
— Danny Manning (@CoachDManning) January 26, 2020
John Calipari (Kentucky)
No words work on a day like today; only a prayer:
Lord, we all mourn the untimely death of Kobe Bryant, his daughter and the others who lost their lives today. May you grant eternal rest to them, O Lord; and let your light perpetually shine upon them. Amen. 🙏🏼
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) January 26, 2020
Oregon basketball
You paved the path for generations to come. Gone, but will never be forgotten.
Thank you for sharing your wisdom, Kobe. #RIPMamba pic.twitter.com/p2lqDPPxiJ
— Oregon Men's Basketball (@OregonMBB) January 27, 2020
Kansas basketball
Rest In Peace, Kobe.
You were so much bigger than basketball. You have and will continue to impact so many lives.
Our hearts go out to the Bryant’s and all passengers on board.
Mamba Mentality forever. pic.twitter.com/WRDYKxR9al
— Kansas Basketball (@KUHoops) January 26, 2020