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


Branching out | Brady Walks into The Business World by Hussein Abdullahi

Oakville native Brady Heslip decides to step away from basketball to enter the evolving world of business. In the last decade Heslip has been a active member of the Senior Men’s National program, playing alongside NBA athletes: Tristan Thompson, Corey Joseph, Jamal Murray, and Andre Wiggins. Heslip is about to embark on another journey in his career, attending the prestige Smith School of Business at Queens to pursue his MBA. Last season Heslip played in Turkey’s Euro league and turned down offers from other prominent teams in Europe. Growing up the nephew of Jay Triano, Heslip has been around basketball since from his youth years, fast forward now Heslip enters into the business world looking to make his mark as a seasoned veteran. Throughout his playing career Heslip has been able to sustain a high amount of contacts worldwide, in business sometimes it’s about your network and whom you know.

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CANADA BASKETBALL

It just got to the point where I started thinking about the future and what the opportunity costs would be if I were to pursue this MBA.
— Brady Heslip

In today’s time we continue to witness a large percentage of professional athletes stepping outside the box in their respective sport to pursue various business ventures. LeBron James has been a huge advocate of “More Than An Athlete” and has set a precedent for several athletes to follow. Athletes such as Kevin Durant, Draymond Green, Andre Igoudala, and Candace Parker all embarked on their new business ventures in technology, investments, media, and sportscast. Uninterrupted continues to spread their message of empowering the generation of athletes globally. The modern athlete today is a more diverse person with several interests that goes beyond the arena. Under the umbrella of Uninterrupted athletes have broken out of the old stigmas and redefined the standards for an athletes within this era.

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Uninterrupted

“More Than An Athlete”

I kind of ball parked it at, best-case scenario given what I do skill-set wise, I could probably play until I’m 34 or 35
— Brady Heslip

At the ripe age of 29 Heslip foresees a career ahead for himself in business, he’s intrigued about the possibilities and opportunities that will foster on his new journey. With his wealth of knowledge and life experiences he believes that transitioning those skills into a business background will be imperative for his career. Despite all Heslip’s unprecedented successes he continues to lay down the foundation for his future. Currently Heslip is en route to pursue a MBA and stepping into the realm of business, which has definitely been inspired by his universal perspective coming from the sport that took him all over the world. It’s refreshing for the culture of sports to witness the platform athletes are given during their careers; it’s up to them to top into. Utilizing this platform can create endless opportunities for any athlete. Heslip will join the long list of athletes who’ve chosen to pursue the business world and become an advocate for being “MORE THAN AN ATHLETE”!

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Figure: Brady Heslip (@heslip)

Thanks: Canada Basketball, Uninterrupted CA

Produced by: @tgq.inc