I NEVER thought it would affect me that much as a fan of NBA basketball but it surprisingly crushed my heart. When Filipinos woke up on that fateful Monday morning learning the tragedy that involved the death of Kobe Bryant, I was one of the millions of Filipinos who found it difficult to digest or even comprehend what just happened. No words can describe the exact feeling I've had when I watched the reports. I wish it was just a horrible nightmare that I want to wake up in an instant. I can't believe the Black Mamba is gone. It's just unfathomable.
I thought he would live forever like a superhero that many sports fans see in him. Before sleeping last Sunday night, the last social media post that I read was of Kobe's on his Instagram account congratulating LeBron James who just surpassed him at 3rd place in the NBA all-time scoring list. That's why I was shocked at the moment I opened my eyes later in the morning to see multiple forwarded links on my phone all pertaining to the tragic helicopter crash. I did not believe it at first which prompted me to search further for reputable sources and double check hoping that these feeds were just fake news of a bad taste of joke. Unfortunately, it wasn't.
The Lakers' number 8 player was very special in the world of sports. Early in his career, I thought he was a really talented and exciting teen player. I remember when he joined the NBA all-star dunk contest where he successfully made a good revision of Isiah Rider's between-the-legs dunk which was rare to see at that time. But when his skills were growing significantly in just few seasons, I started to worry that he might be a threat to my ultimate basketball hero, the G.O.A.T. Michael Jordan. And as a big fan of Mike, I wanted to preserve his image as the best player who ever played the game of basketball. So, I was one of those who jeered whenever I watched LA Lakers losing in a game. But admittedly, whenever I watch Kobe play, I knew he had the skills, the high-level talent, that crazy athleticism, the high basketball IQ, and the grit to replicate MJ's every unguardable moves. And he was able to do it in fashion, like MJ.
After his three championships with the another basketball great, Shaquille O'Neal, at the time when Kobe started to wear number 24, that's when his game became more precise and matured, and I started to silently admire Kobe as a competitor. When he finally won a back-to-back championship in 2009 and 2010 without Shaq on his purple and gold team, he finally earned the respect of his doubters and detractors, including myself. I had to acknowledge the fact that he was the next Michael Jordan after MJ left the NBA. But Kobe did not just continue the inherited title and fame from his basketball predecessor, he made his own legacy. He wanted to be just Kobe.
And after winning 2 Olympic gold medals, NBA championships, Finals MVPs and breaking some of Jordan's historic NBA records, basketball fans really appreciated what he did for the game. But people did not just admire him for his talent on the court. Bryant felt he had the responsibility to help those who are in need as he acknowledged he had the opportunity to do so. And his love for his family and the way he has given importance to his role as a husband and as a father to his daughters were truly something to adore and that transcends him other than just a basketball superstar. This version of a retired Kobe made me more of a fan of him.
The Black Mamba was a superstar in and out of the court. This is why it is so heartbreaking knowing that Kobe and his daughter passed away in such a very tragic way. And the impact of his untimely demise has polarized not just in Los Angeles but in the whole world. The social media got flooded with stories and posts paying tribute to the basketball legend whose both jersey numbers 8 and 24 have been retired and hanged on the Lakers homecourt.
Millions of people across the globe came out to mourn and show their love and appreciation for Bryant. Various murals and artworks were created in honor of Kobe. Even outside the US, from Italy to China, the outpouring sympathy of fans was very palpable. In the Philippines, a sports hall named House of Kobe in Valenzuela City has been inaugurated just 12 hours before Kobe died. A student from Pampanga drew a sketch of Bryant using only a plain chalk at his classroom's chalkboard. A court in Tenement housing complex has been painted to honor Kobe and his daughter Gianna. Manila landmarks and buildings also paid homage to the basketball star who had visited Manila two times.
In his last visit to our country last 2016 during his Mamba Mentality Tour, he reconnected with his Filipino fans emphasizing the importance of time and he shared some tips on how to be the best version of oneself. He talked about waking up every single morning and approaching that day as if it is the last day you have.
The tragedy left nine dead. Just imagine the devastation it brought to their loved ones and family that's why it is but proper to offer our thoughts and prayers to them in these trying times.
The mortal ending of Bryant left us with a strong reminder of how fragile life on earth is. Let's try to keep in mind to kiss and hug our loved ones and tell them how much they mean in our lives. The tragedy also sends us a clear message that we need to be thankful even to the simplest of things like leaving home and getting back safely which has become an underrated blessing in our daily busy lives.
The mamba may be out but his legacy goes on.
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Kuya J Pelayo IV is a Kapampangan broadcast journalist. For comments and suggestions, e-mail at 4th.pelayo@gmail.com.