SPORTS

Forever 08. 24 | An Ode to The Bryant Family by Hussein Abdullahi

FOREVER 08.24.

The last few days has been a mere tragedy, with the devastating news of helicopter crash that killed former NBA star Kobe Bryant, daughter Gianna, and 7 others. The plane crashed on a hill located above Calabasas, California, sources say Kobe was heading to a basketball game with 13- year old daughter Gianna and teammates. The reports stated that LA county Coroner Forensic sciences are conducting ongoing investigations on the recovered bodies from the tragic incident. Sources explains the severity of the accident, which some believe can be linked to the excess fog and bad weather. The world is still in disbelief and many have paid their condolences to the victims of this horrific incident.

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His seed that he planted in all of us will continue to grow. I’m just gonna continue to carry the torch.
— Kyrie Irving

The current to of reality for our world is to accept the devastating world events. It’s very difficult to turn the other cheek and become insensitive to these current events. Emotions run deep as many innocent lives were lost in the Australian Wildfires, Iran’s plane crash, and the eruption of Taal volcano. In totality millions are families have lost their loved ones and peace for humanity. With the high volume of tragic events in the span of a month, many have forgotten the magnitude of repercussions that each event holds. From a societal standpoint individuals are stuck questioning the current state of our world. With the helicopter crash circulating around all news headlines, we remain hopeful that the time will heal all wounds. As for the millions of families that are heavily affected by this it’s time to rally together.

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We are not okay. But we will find the strength to pull through this together because that’s what Kobe would want us to do.
— Allen Iverson

Bryant’s illustrious career with the Lakers lasted 20 years, it’s safe to say that he’s the greatest athlete we’ve seen in this generation. Kobe has won 5 NBA championships (1 3-peat), 1 NBA MVP award, and is a 18-time All-star. Despite growing up on foreign soil in Italy, Kobe defied all the odds by becoming an outlier. At just 17 year of age Kobe Bryant embark on an emphatic journey in LA, but his opportunity of playing were very slim. 4 years later, he was on route to winning his first championship title and he never looked back since that moment in 2000. In 2006 Bryant introduced the world to his alter ego “The Black Mamba”, and from that moment on we’ve watched a master at work. Bryant also shared his abnormal way of thinking with the “Mamba Mentality”. Kobe Bryant epitomizes a true champion, his sheer determination and fixation on being the greatest player ever truly inspired the sports worlds for generations to come. Current NBA players share the memories on the significant impact Kobe has had on their lives. People identify with the careers of athletes because sports is the number one unifying tool in the world bringing people together for all walks of life.

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KOBE

Bryant celebrates his 3-peat after defeating the New Jersey Nets in 2002.

It’s because of those raw emotions, his fixational success that the basketball world loved him back.. Thankful for all the moments he’s giving us throughout the years.
— Stephen A. Smith

Kobe Bryant has taught millions of people across the globe the importance of working diligently and breaking the stigmas that limit one’s capability. For That we commemorate his unique contributions made to our world. For several years many individuals created their own generalized perceptions of who Kobe Bryant was and failed to see the true essence of his character. Some may mistaken his confidence for brass arrogance, but behind the competitive spirit was a heart full of love and positive intent. Bryant was an ambassador for the sport of basketball, a pop-cultural icon, a loving father, mentor, brother, and husband. Too many times as humans beings we often associate people for the things they do in their respective fields, which leads to creating false narratives. Kobe Bryant’s admirers have expressed their deepest gratitude and condolences for the tragic loss of Gigi, Kobe, and the seven other victims.

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LEGACY

Bryant and family during the historic jersey retirement.

We wake up each day trying to keep pushing because Kobe and our Baby Girl Gigi, are shining on us to light the way
— Venessa Bryant

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Daddy’s Little Girl

Artist dedicates a mural to honour the passing of Kobe and Gigi.

What was a refreshing sight to see was how Bryant compartmentalized his life, as a former athlete Bryant was able to diversify himself within fields of business, philanthropy, and sport. Investing his time to coach daughter Gigi’s middle school team, as well as opening the Mamba Sports Academy. Early this month Bryant also announces a partnership with the MLS and Body Armour Sports drink. The trajectory of Bryant’s life after basketball was very promising and to have his life come to a halt at age 41 is heartfelt. Ultimately, Bryant’s commitment to inspire the next generation of women in sport has sparked the advancement of WNBA’s new pay equity rules. We are thankful for 20 years of lasting memories and iconic moments in history, instead of mourning let’s celebrate the life and legacy of the late great Kobe Bryant and daughter GIGI. Also it’s important that we remember seven other victims were killed as a result of the incident and that we keep them in prayers as well. We send our deepest condolences to Vanessa and the Bryant Family for the loss of beloved Gianna “GIGI” Bryant and Kobe.

Kobe Bryant (August 23 1978- January 26 2020)

Gianna “GIGI” Maria-Onroe Bryant (May 1 2006- January 26 2020)

Forever 08.24


Stephon Marbury | From Coney Island- Mr. China Basketball by Hussein Abdullahi

He is known as the basketball godfather to most; Stephon Marbury is now the Head coach of CBA’s Beijing Royal Fighters. The Coney Island native retired from basketball in February 2018 after his 22-year career. Marbury’ long list of accolades includes a 2x NBA All-star, 3x CBA Champion, 1x CBA MVP and 1x CBA Finals MVP. His fair share of hardware can be found at The House of Marbury Museum in Beijing. Over the last decade The Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) has emerged as a premier league globally. Honing NBA talents such as Stephon Marbury, Jeremy Lin, Lance Stephenson, Tracy McGrady, and Jimmer Fredette. China has become a historical landmark for basketball as they previously hosted the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup. It’s only a matter of time until the CBA looks to expand into other parts of Asia. Marbury has become an ambassador for China Basketball and has set his expectations high this upcoming season.

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STARBURY

The House of Marbury Museum

Culturally for Chinese people to get the opportunity to be able to experience the world game, I think is very important
— Stephon Marbury

During his 8 year career in China Marbury played with Shanxi Zhongyu Brave Dragons, Foshan Dralions, Beijing Ducks, and Beijing Fly Dragons. In the 2011-2012 season Marbury guided the Beijing Ducks to their first ever CBA Championship title, beating crosstown rival and 7-time Champs Guangdong Southern Tigers. Marbury then went on winning back -to-back CBA championship titles. To express their gratitude that made Stephon Marbury his own Statue at the MasterCard Centre (Beijing). At the ripe age of 42 Marbury looks to enter another chapter in his life as a coach in the CBA. The Commissioner gave Marbury the creative freedom to recruit players to play for his team. . The Dragons recently acquired Former Seton Hall Centre Angel Delgado. Under the guidance of Marbury the Fly Dragons will embraced an up-tempo style of play, become defensively sound and inherit a culture of winning.

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CHAMPS

Stephon Marbury Win 1st CBA Title

We gon work like champions, we gon train like champions, and we gon play like champions !
— Stephon Marbury

Marbury has become a public figure in China after being there for almost a decade. From growing up in Coney Island and being the hometown hero, Marbury has had an unpredictable journey. Coming to China presented Marbury with an opportunity to resurrect his basketball career and bond with a new world. Now being in a coaching position Marbury will continue to help advance the sport of basketball throughout China and be an inspiration for the future generation of athletes globally. The CBA season will kick off November 1 with a match-up between Liaoning Flying Leopards and Guangdong Southern Tigers. Who would of thought that a kid from Conley Island would be embraced in the highest populated country in the world? Mr China Basketball.

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ICON

Stephon Marbury Museum (Beijing, China)

The people have done so much for me as far as helping me rebuild my spirit and my soul, and allowing me to be able to move forward in a life. It’s not just about basketball.
— Stephon Marbury

Figure: Stephon Marbury (@starburymarbury)

Special Thanks: @Slamonline, @fiba, @bleacherreport

Produced by: TGQ Inc. (@tgq.inc)