Locals stun with Kobe’s ‘untimely’ death

MANILA – As the basketball icon for several veterans and upstart ballers in the country, the untimely demise of former Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant came up as a shocker.

Negrense guard James Yap of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, who played against Bryant in an exhibition game in the country years ago, admitted that he was stunned with what happened to the five-time National Basketball Association (NBA) champion.

“Well nagulat talaga ako nung nabalitaan ko,” said the two-time PBA MVP. “Pero isa sa hindi ko malilimutang experience with Kobe is nung nabantayan ko siya sa exhibition game. Magaling talaga siya.”

Retired national team player Chris Tiu also added in a social media post that he was still in great disbelief over what happened to Bryant, whom he also played against in an exhibition match.

“When times get tough and I want to give up or take it easy, I would think “what would Kobe do?”. Thank you Kobe for teaching us to be relentless in pursuit of excellence and reminding us that it is not about success, but the process,” Tiu said.

“For reminding us that we only lose when we give up, not just on the court but including relationships. You showed us you are human too and make mistakes, but with humility, sincerity, repentance and faith in God, we can get back on the right track,” he added.

Ilonggo guard Kiefer Ravena of the NLEX Road Warriors, who admitted to be a huge Bryant fan, said he is at loss for words on Kobe’s death.

“Lost for words. Not the news I wanted to hear when I woke up.  Life’s short man. Appreciate everybody around you to the fullest! Do not take anything for granted. You were one of the reasons I played the sport, Kobe. You are the reason why I want to be great,” said Ravena.

Bryant, who retired in the 2016 NBA season after playing for the LA Lakers for two decades, died in a helicopter crash in California along with his daughter Gianna. He was 41./PN

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here