Tribute to a legend

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

To all those who shouted his name before throwing their crumpled papers in the bin.

To all those who bumped their backs against the wall shooting the fade away after entering their home’s door.

To all those who practiced the “Mamba” face after you’ve achieved something you worked hard for.

To all those who wore the numbers 24 and 8.

To all those who looked up to Kobe Bryant, embrace him now, think about the memories he shared with us, the joy he gave us every time he grabbed the leather and set foot on the hardwood.

The entire basketball community is devastated with the loss of NBA legend Bryant and his daughter, Gigi Bryant in a tragic helicopter crash at Calabasas, Calif.

9 total occupants in the helicopter were all confirmed dead, including the pilot, John Altobelli, a longtime baseball coach at Orange Coast College, his daughter Alyssa, and his wife Keri.

Bryant and his daughter Gigi were expected to arrive in the Mamba Cup Tournament series under Kobe’s Mamba Basketball Academy.

The devastating loss stunned not only the whole basketball community but the entire sports community.

Kobe was widely-known for his clutch gene, his insane work ethic, and his desire and hunger to win every single game.

The NBA showed their respect and condolences to the Laker legend after offering a moment of silence during the games, including exchanging 24-second shot-clock and 8-second backcourt violations to honor the jerseys he wore with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Kobe’s loss made grown men weep.

Kobe’s loss made everybody realize that every second counts, so cherish every tick.

Sometimes, things do not make sense.

Mamba really is out, but his mentality lives forever.