Dearica Hamby reminisces with a smile about the times Kobe Bryant sat courtside at WNBA games, recalling the day he praised her defensive skills. “I think one of the first things he told me was that I could play defense,” Hamby said, reflecting on the support she felt from the NBA legend. This interaction embodies Bryant's relationship with women's basketball, as he dedicated his post-NBA career to mentoring young female athletes, including WNBA champion Diana Taurasi and former Oregon star Sabrina Ionescu.
Hamby, currently playing for the Los Angeles Sparks, shared how Bryant recognized potential in her game that she wasn't aware of. “If Kobe tells you you can play defense, you can play defense,” she joked, illustrating the level of influence Bryant had on aspiring athletes. Five years after the tragic helicopter crash that took Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, and seven others in Calabasas, California, many women's basketball players reflected on his significant contributions to their sport. They believe Bryant would have been proud of the remarkable growth women’s sports have experienced in recent years.
The WNBA saw its most-watched regular season in 24 years, along with its best attendance in 22 seasons. Prominent players have joined a new 3-on-3 league in South Florida called Unrivaled, founded by Olympic gold medalists Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart. “We carry this on for him,” said Satou Sabally, a forward with the Dallas Wings. She expressed a sentiment shared by many, noting how Bryant would have celebrated the success of the new league and its players.
Sabally fondly recalled the bond formed among her teammates at Oregon over their admiration for Bryant. “He was really a person that saw us women as the talents who we are,” she said, highlighting his support and presence at games. The shock of Bryant's passing resonated deeply within the sports community, with many NBA players visibly emotional and fans glued to their screens as news spread on January 26, 2020. Kate Martin, of the Golden State Valkyries, shared her clear memory of where she was when she heard the news, affirming the lasting impact of Bryant’s legacy.
Bryant was significantly involved in his daughters’ basketball journeys, frequently attending women’s games, particularly those involving the UConn Huskies, which Gianna admired. He passionately advocated for women's basketball and aimed to enhance its visibility, despite the controversies surrounding his past, including a 2003 charge of sexual assault that was eventually dropped.
The image of Kobe and Gianna sitting courtside at a game in December 2019, with Kobe donning a bright orange pullover featuring the WNBA logo, remains etched in the minds of fans. Teresa Weatherspoon, former head coach of the Chicago Sky, emphasized how Bryant’s recognition of women’s talent contributed to a change in perception about women’s sports. “I think a lot of people started to follow behind Kobe because he recognized our gift,” she remarked.
Bryant transformed into a figure of advocacy for women's sports, and his presence is greatly missed. “But now his legacy will live on forever,” said Martin, encapsulating the sentiments of many who continue to feel his influence in the world of sports.
