Kaisa rin ang Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) sa pagluluksa sa biglaang pagpanaw ng basketball icon na si Kobe Bryant bunsod ng isang helicopter crash sa California.
Naramdaman kasi nang husto sa Pilipinas, na isang bansang baliw na baliw sa basketball, ang pagkawala ni Bryant kasama ang 13-anyos na anak nitong si Gianna at pitong iba pa nang bumagsak ang sinakyan nilang private chopper nitong Lunes ng madaling araw (oras sa Pilipinas).
“The basketball world just lost one of its greatest sons, Kobe Bryant. Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is grieved by the news, and we send our deepest condolences to his family,” saad ng SBP.
“Kobe was greatness personified from the way he carried himself to the work he puts into his game — doing it with passion and with style. His handful of trips to the Philippines made him one of the most beloved NBA players among Filipino fans and we will all remember these moments fondly, especially the Smart Ultimate All-Star Weekend where he amazed us with his talent and touched us with his authentic personality.”
“Fiba and the basketball world as a whole lost one of its top ambassadors. Rest in Peace, Kobe. Thank you for showing us what it means to be a true competitor and a true sportsman.”
Sa anim na beses na pagtungo ng “The Black Mamba” sa Pilipinas mula 1998 hanggang 2016, isa sa mga pinakatumatak ay noong Hulyo 2011 nang maglaro ito kasama sina Chris Paul, Derrick Rose at Kevin Durant sa Araneta Coliseum.
Huli namang dumalaw sa bansa ang five-time NBA champion noong Hunyo 2016, dalawang buwan matapos umiskor ng 60 points sa kanyang huling laro.
