I'm gonna be a douche over this. Kobe was my idol as a kid. I modeled how I played sports and somewhat life after him. Still to this day, at work, I pretty much run the business I work at but I always try to out work everyone. Even if I'm putting in double the hours, while you're there I'm gonna work like I just got back from a vacation.
My one uncle who I played pick up basketball with in the city always called me Kobe. And still does to this day.
I used to play kids who made these "all-star" teams and mark them out the game. Not only that, I'd do back heel nutmegs and foolish stuff just to let let them know, I'm better than you.
First day in college we did a 5v5 drill, and it was man. You could only steal the ball from the guy you covered. I went after the best player who ended up playing in the mls but was by far our most talented player.
That was because of growing up idolizing Kobe. I know the sentimental [Poor language removed] is lame. I feel selfish because he was a human with so many closer ties and so many others go through so much worse.
I didn't know him but he's a big part of who I am. Thanks if you made it through all of this, and I just been telling people all day. I'm just grateful for what the dude gave to me.