REST IN POWER: Lessons Kobe Bryant Taught Us, A Memoriam

My heart is consumed with hurt and stings with sadness as I sit here deciding how to orchestrate the impact Kobe Bryant had on me personally, basketball fans across the globe, and civilization as a whole.

Kobe, The Black Mamba, was one of the most prolific athletes of our time. He was my childhood idol and served as a beacon of possibility for millions of others who had a dream burning within them.

I was 8 years old in 1999 and can recall the first time I saw Kobe and Shaq on TV. The Lakers in the late 90’s/ early 2000’s were the team to beat. You were guaranteed a show each game you tuned in to because you had a feeling either Kobe was going to torch the other team for 30+ points or Shaq would chalk up a double double. As a young kid, I noticed Kobe stood out among all the other NBA players. He possessed an insatiable hunger when it came to the game of Basketball. His fans felt as if he was taking them with him during the course of the game. Every time he score, you lit up. Ever time he dunked, you got pumped up.

A select handful of athletes truly own that “IT” factor in their playing days. Kobe Bryant had it each time his shoes hit the hardwood.

I know that I am speaking on behalf of millions of others who idolized him, were his friends, and received value from watching…