Kansas Jayhawks react to the passing of Kobe Bryant
Multiple Kansas Jayhawks players and coaches from different sports shared their thoughts on the tragic passing of NBA legend Kobe Bryant.
This is a sad day that transcends sports. Kobe Bryant was more than just one of the greatest basketball players of all time, he was a global icon, impacting the lives of millions. He’s was without a doubt one of the most popular and recognizable figures in the world, and the shock value of his unexpected death stunned the world.
At just 41 years old, Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven others were killed when their helicopter crashed at around 10:00 AM this morning according to NBC Los Angeles.
Here’s what Kansas players and coaches had to say about the legend:
Like many of us, Devon Dotson didn’t believe the news when it broke. Kobe was only 41, it seemed too soon for him to be gone and the sudden shock of the news had everyone in disbelief. Then, confirmations that Bryant had indeed died began to circulate, confusing everyone.
This cannot be real.. no way no way
— Devon Dotson (@d_dotson1) January 26, 2020
Kansas football receiver Stephon Robinson reflected on how Kobe transcended basketball. Bryant was known for his philanthropy, winning an academy award, and his business ventures, in addition to his hall of fame basketball career.
You didn’t even have to watch basketball to know who Kobe was
— $teph (@stephonrob5) January 26, 2020
Kansas Jayhawks basketball head coach Bill Self noted how his players had grown up idolizing Bryant in the same way he’d looked at Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. An entire generation watched Kobe Bryant as they grew to love the game of basketball, and many of those players are in college or the NBA now.
Just reached out to #KUbball coach Bill Self for his reaction on Kobe Bryant's death... Like so many others, across all sports and walks of life, Self was saddened by the news: pic.twitter.com/7BNzBf6AD9
— Matt Tait (@mctait) January 26, 2020
In accordance with what Self said, Kansas basketball alum Joel Embiid shared a personal story on how Bryant had directly affected his life.
Man I don’t even know where to start😭😭 I started playing ball because of KOBE after watching the 2010 finals. I had never watched ball before that and that finals was the turning point of my life. I WANTED TO BE LIKE KOBE. I’m so FREAKING SAD right now!!!!
— Joel “Troel” Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) January 26, 2020
RIP LEGEND
Kansas Jayhawks football head coach Les Miles talks about Bryant’s family. He and his daughter are survived by wife/mother Vanessa, and sisters/daughters Natalia, Bianka, and Capri.
I am so stunned and saddened to hear the news of Kobe Bryant’s passing.
— Les Miles (@CoachLesMiles) January 26, 2020
His family, especially his wife and young daughters, are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kobe Bryant was one of the greatest of all time in the NBA, but his career reached farther than basketball. He was truly legend, and his memory will never be forgotten. May he rest in peace, and his family find comfort in this difficult time.