Local basketball coach mourning loss of Kobe Bryant, daughter Gigi
Posted Jan 27, 2020 3:32 pm.
Last Updated Jan 27, 2020 3:43 pm.
CALGARY (660 NEWS) – The president of a local basketball club says Kobe Bryant was a special person who will be dearly missed.
Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna “Gigi” Maria-Onore Bryant were among those killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California on Sunday.
READ MORE: Kobe Bryant, 13-year old daughter Gianna killed in helicopter crash
Genesis Basketball President Eddie Richardson had a chance to meet the Lakers’ legend last month when one of his girls’ teams travelled to California to play at Mamba Academy.
“The girls got a chance to play Kobe and Gigi in December and it was special for them because it’s somebody they look up to, it’s one of the best players of all times’ daughter,” he said.
“It was a special moment. Kobe took the time to meet the girls and take pictures and talk about Canada and how much he loves Canada.”
Richardson says Kobe was a huge proponent of the women’s game.
“He did so much for the other players around that were doing super well in their worlds and really being a mentor for so many girls and professionals as well. He was doing a lot to help equalize the girls game and the boys game.”
RELATED: Kobe Bryant left deep legacy in LA sports, basketball world
Like many others, Richardson says at first he didn’t believe the news that Bryant had died.
“I put my phone down and just thought that it wasn’t real and went and got ready for my day… When I came back to my phone and the news, it was pretty evident that it was real.”
Bryant was 41. Gianna was 13.
