Remembering The Black Mamba: Kobe Bryant
by admin on January 30, 2020
What is a Black Mamba
A species of mamba snake known for its large size, quickness, and extremely potent venom. It lives in sub-Saharan Africa and is one of the continent’s most dangerous snakes. Black Mamba is the perfect alter-ego to describe Kobe’s game. Few players in NBA history embody the Relentlessness that Kobe Bryant showed on and off the court. He wasn’t the most skilled, but as fellow players could attest to, he had an unbelievable drive to be the best.
“To Kobe, it was all about winning. Prepare, prepare and prepare some more. He challenged me to be the best me”. (Pau Gasol)
Often getting up at 4 AM to workout, he quickly realized that if he put the time in, he would reap the results. The night of his NBA draft, most players went out to celebrate. But not Kobe, he went to the gym to practice. It’s this drive that pushed him to become one of the greatest basketball players and athletes of all time. He did it on the offensive and defensive ends of the court. His aim was “to kill the opposition and put those he was guarding in straight jackets”. Here is a list of some of Kobe’s basketball accomplishments:
- 5 Time NBA Champion
- 18 Time All Star
- League MVP
- 2 Time Finals MVP
- 81 Points in a Game – second in league history
- 4th in All Time Points Scored
Life off The Court
Not only was Kobe driven to succeed and be the best on the court, he was also a dynamo off the court. As a devoted husband and loving father to 4 beautiful daughters. In his book Mamba Mentality, he explains that waking up early made it easier to balance basketball and family. Kobe has inspired and mentored many younger players as well, including Lebron James.
Since retiring from the game, Kobe was loving his new life as an investor and basketball coach and trainer. His goal was to be remembered more for his investments in 20 years than for his on-court performance. Kobe recently partnered to launch a Venture Capital firm, started Granity Studios, a film production company, and had dreams of owning an NBA franchise. Kobe’s greatest investment was purchasing a 10% stake in a healthy sports drink called “BodyArmor” for $6 Million. The beverage was sold to Coke and his investment is now worth over $200 Million. Kobe’s short film “Dear Basketball” won an Academy Award. And of course, Kobe owned much lavish LA real estate.
Passion for Helping Others
He always loved helping others on and off the court. Through his Mamba Sports Academy which is an elite multi-sport training centre for young athletes. Also, Kobe was very generous in giving. His foundation supports families in need and he has granted over 250 wishes through the Make a Wish Foundation.
Kobe we will miss you, but your legacy will always live on.
Sources:
Kobe Bryant: The Mamba Mentality
Relentless by Tim Grover
