20 years have gone by. I’ve learned so many things from this
living legend named Kobe Bean Bryant a.k.a. the Black Mamba. His work ethic is
unreal and unmatched by any person. How can a person perfect his craft with that
kind of intensity every single day? You have to have an obsessive trait about
you and that never giving up attitude to become better. Kobe called it Mamba
Mentality back in 2013 when he suffered his first of three season ending
injuries that would eventually lead to his retirement. His workaholic attribute
was his gift and his curse because it broke down his body to the point where he
could no longer dominate the game with that same killer instinct every night.
However, still managed to play with the elites and show them why he’s been the
best without being a 100%. His heart and mind were in it, but his body was
saying no. Hence, he played his last game on Wednesday, April 13, 2016. What a
dramatic finish. I knew he was going to aim for 50 points, but he finished with
60. It was a season high for any current NBA basketball player, a record for
the oldest to ever score that many, and a record for the most ever scored by a single
player on their last game. He gave you that extra mile. I’ve never been disappointed
by this athlete because he always gave it all he had. That’s what he will be
remembered by, especially in his final game, that he left everything out on
that basketball court. In a world full of imposters, deceivers, and indolent people,
Kobe always brought his best and that’s what I admired the most. I hope I can
do the same, bring my best and offer it. We have to be that person. A living
breathing reminder to believe in better things. We have to have that superhero mindset,
at the expense of being perceived as the villain. As long as God is in the
center of our actions, He will allow us be a part of his will to bring joy to
others. We have to be that hope. We have to be that example.
With Kobe’s retirement, he begins a new chapter in his life,
but personally my chapter continues, my season approaches its finale and I move
into the off season to perfect my craft, to grow, but most importantly to serve
others. I will continue to follow Kobe Bryant in all of his future endeavors,
buy and wear his shoes and other products. I will still look for him for
continued motivation. He has always been like a brother to me. My love for Kobe
will never change because of what he has done for me personally. Like he closed
in his retirement letter, “My love for this city, this team and for each of you
will never fade. Thank you for this incredible journey.”
Dear Kobe, #ThankYouKobe for 20 great years, growing up with
you as a teenager, a high school basketball player, an undergraduate student, a
junior high teacher and coach, a graduate student, and an athlete I learned so
much from you. You have been the greatest of all time. Not because:
You have won 5 championships
2 Finals MVP awards
2 scoring titles
2 gold medals
18 time NBA All Star
4 All Star MVPs
Led all players in All Star votes
Regular season MVP
3rd in the all-time scoring list
20 years loyal to the same team
Sold more merchandise and tickets
Had more fans on the road chanting your name and “MVP”
Slam dunk champion
Multiple game winning baskets
Scored 81 points in a single game
Scored at least 40 against every team in every arena, etc.
etc. etc…
Beyond what you have accomplished on the court I will never
forget what you have done outside the basketball court. What I valued most was
that unlike others, not only have you been a champion, but you have saved your
marriage and loved your family; as a person of faith, you have acknowledge and credited
all to God and to your Catholic faith; without a college education you have studied
multiple languages, acquired knowledge in business from university level work, and
build a passion for story writing. That’s what makes you the best that you were
able to perform anywhere and excel especially when and where it mattered most. That’s
why I know you will do a great job in this next chapter in your life. God has a
special plan for you because He knows the impact you have on people. God bless
you Kobe! “Mamba OUT” but I know that a different animal but the same beast is “IN”.
