Tribute Speech June 26, 1996 marked the 50th and one of the most talented drafts in sports history. To a young eighteen-year-old it would be a dream to hear his name called, and with the 13th pick it was so. Kobe Bryant. To anyone who calls themselves a sports fan or simply even a student of life, the name ought to ring bells. As a young kid who watched him play and simply speak, a few words came to mind. Confidence, relentlessness, and grit. The description can go on and on. His outright presence in press conferences, 18 all-star appearances, and the illustrious Mamba Mentality should say it all. But it doesn’t. It does. So, I am going to take a few minutes to tell you all what the name Kobe Bryant means to the world of sports. Growing up African-American you can be faced with the
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Your parents could teach you all they can, but eventually you learn the most from what you consume. Mine was the television. In that summer of 2009, along with the rest of the world, I learned a lot. I remember going to my uncle's house and how big of a deal this NBA Finals series was for the name of Kobe Bryant. “He has to win one without Shaq or else he’s just another accessory player,” this and that. And Kobe showed and proved, on and off the court. Up two-zero, a reporter for NBA.com asks Kobe why he isn’t smiling. Kobe’s response was, and I quote, “The job is not finished.” Stated with a pose and uninterrupted confidence. As a ten year old I sensed that through the screen, and it's been with me ever since. And about a week later, he silenced the naysayers, winning the series. Went on to finish his career playing in every all-star game and even winning the game’s MVP. Any thoughts or remarks in regards to him being a team “accessory” were gone. Today, while I don’t watch basketball as much, we still see players paying their respects verbally and throughout the
Your parents could teach you all they can, but eventually you learn the most from what you consume. Mine was the television. In that summer of 2009, along with the rest of the world, I learned a lot. I remember going to my uncle's house and how big of a deal this NBA Finals series was for the name of Kobe Bryant. “He has to win one without Shaq or else he’s just another accessory player,” this and that. And Kobe showed and proved, on and off the court. Up two-zero, a reporter for NBA.com asks Kobe why he isn’t smiling. Kobe’s response was, and I quote, “The job is not finished.” Stated with a pose and uninterrupted confidence. As a ten year old I sensed that through the screen, and it's been with me ever since. And about a week later, he silenced the naysayers, winning the series. Went on to finish his career playing in every all-star game and even winning the game’s MVP. Any thoughts or remarks in regards to him being a team “accessory” were gone. Today, while I don’t watch basketball as much, we still see players paying their respects verbally and throughout the