Mamba Forever: Remembering the Basketball Genius of Kobe Bryant

Four years after his passing, the memory of the great Kobe Bryant lives on through modern players and a passion that spans multiple generations

One of my greatest regrets as a basketball fan is that I was never able to watch Kobe Bryant play live. It is my belief that watching a player in a stadium allows you to get a feel for their game that might not always be evident on television. I find myself thinking about Kobe this week as we approach the 4th anniversary of his tragic passing as a result of a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California alongside his daughter Gianna and seven other passengers. I vividly recall being at work when the news hit, and being in utter disbelief until it was confirmed. In a moment, a player whose career I followed since he was a rookie was just gone.

Kobe Bryant was unquestionably one of the greatest players to ever pick up a basketball. But for many, his impact stretched far beyond his abilities on the court. He was a tremendous winner, a player that had to mature before he became the legend we think of today, and had a drive that we may never see again in the NBA. His legacy now lives on through the players that he mentored and touched with his skill, charisma, and personality. Kobe Bryant was a trailblazer in the sport of basketball as a player, and also defined basketball…