By STEFAN MODRICH | Staff Writer
The basketball world has been turned upside down as it mourns the death of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, in a helicopter crash Sunday in Southern California.
Basketball coaches across the East Valley shared their reactions to the loss of the former Los Angeles Lakers star and the eight others who were killed in the crash.
Pace girls coach Eddie Lozano called the events “shocking and devastating.”
Lozano, Hanna boys coach Fermin Lucio and several others noted that while their South Texas roots and San Antonio Spurs fandom came first, their admiration for the Lakers legend, who is scheduled to be posthumously inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame this year, stemmed from his relentless competitiveness.
“I’m a Spurs fan so I never rooted for him,” Lozano said. “But I always respected his work ethic and pursuit of excellence. We can all learn from his work ethic and try to establish that dedication in our everyday lives.
“As a father, I enjoyed watching his interactions with his daughter on the sidelines. Knowing that his daughter and the other teenagers had not yet begun to live their lives is just heartbreaking.”
Said Lucio, “As a lover of basketball, I always admired his drive, determination and work ethic. As I got into coaching I referenced his words and moments (in the NBA) to pass along to my athletes, to talk about leadership and hard work.
“His killer instinct and determination to succeed and lead by example is something a coach dreams of having in his/her athletes. As members of the basketball community it’s our responsibility to carry on his and (Gianna’s) work ethic and love of basketball.”
Lucio added that Bryant’s dedication and spirit he brought to the court can continue to serve as enduring advice to current and future players.
“Never skip a workout, go 100 (percent) and always lead by example,” Lucio said. “Because that’s how they approached the game we all love. They never cheated the game, and if you truly love the game neither should you. I also feel it’s a life lesson that tragedy can hit anyone. So enjoy the moments and people in your life. Don’t let petty arguments get in the way of your passions and loves in life. Enjoy your life while you have it, (because) you never know when it’s gonna be over.”
The San Perlita girls basketball program paid tribute to Bryant by leaving the numbers 8 and 24 on the scoreboard throughout their practice Monday.
San Perlita boys coach Nataniel Garza lamented the void left by the loss in the basketball world and noted the impact 13-year-old Gianna already had in her short career.
“The world of basketball now has a hole that — I don’t know if it can ever be filled,” Garza said. “I was hoping it was all fake and that it was just a nightmare. He was so much more than basketball. He was an inspiration to many people. It’s also very sad that his daughter passed away, too. That young girl was not only gonna be special, but she was also gonna be a role model and an inspiration to a lot of young girls. The world lost two people that were gonna help change this world for the better.”
Brownsville Veterans Memorial boys coach Larry Gibson reflected on the grief of Bryant’s wife, Vanessa, and the family’s three surviving daughters, adding that faith will help him and others who are grieving.
“I felt like a part of my soul had been taken away from me,” Gibson said. “All I could think about was, ‘What about Vanessa and the girls?’ … I loved Kobe. His competitive drive will never be matched. I feel like I lost a family member.
“Please remember that tomorrow is not guaranteed.”
Lady Chargers coach Arnold Torres was inspired by Bryant’s relationship with his daughter as a coach and a father himself.
“Seeing Kobe as a father was amazing,” Torres said. “The time he spent with his daughter teaching her about basketball and life was great to see. When parents are able to spend time with their kids and talk to them about things (or) situations, it gives kids a sense of comfort knowing that their parents are there for them. He and his daughter were great role models for this generation.”
Harlingen High boys coach Clayton Cretors echoed the sentiments many shared regarding Bryant and Gianna.
“It’s apparent that basketball was bringing Kobe and (Gianna) closer,” Cretors said. “Kobe was a transcendent figure in the sports world and will forever be remembered as one of the greatest athletes of all time. His competitive nature is legendary. And watching him on the court was always inspiring. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He will be truly missed.”
From Los Angeles to Chicago, to Houston and New York, popup shrines and memorials to Bryant that sprang up outside arenas around the country and a massive outpouring of tributes on social media in the moments following the announcement of his death served as a reminder of the 41-year-old’s global footprint.
“Kobe Bryant is an icon for the game of basketball,” Harlingen South boys coach Brian Molina said. “He represented (a) true competitor when he was on the court at both ends of the floor. Watching him and his relationship with his daughter off the courts speaks volumes (about) just how much of a special person this man was. Kobe may be gone, but his legacy will never be forgotten.”
Pace boys coach Jose Luis Ramirez said his team addressed Bryant’s passing briefly during a meeting Monday morning.
“What we took away from it is, work hard, dedicate yourself to be your best, because you never know when you will be called to go ‘home’,” Ramirez said. “People will remember you. The question is, what do you wanna be remembered for? … Be your very best as a player, teammate, friend, husband, son, dad, student, whoever you are to another person. Kobe inspired many, and his legacy will be that he continues to inspire long after he’s gone. … (Rest in peace) Mamba.”