Dearica Hamby fondly recalls the moments when Kobe Bryant sat courtside at WNBA games, cherishing their interactions. When he came to watch the Las Vegas Aces, his praise for her defensive skills surprised Hamby. “One of the first things he told me was that I could play defense,” she reminisced. “That’s something I’ll cherish forever.” This exchange exemplifies Bryant’s deep connection to women’s basketball. After concluding his illustrious 20-year NBA career, he dedicated himself to mentoring numerous stars of the women’s game, including WNBA champion and Olympic gold medalist Diana Taurasi, alongside former Oregon standout Sabrina Ionescu.
Bryant closely analyzed their games, identifying strengths and areas for improvement, striving to elevate their profiles to match the heights achieved by his NBA contemporaries. For Hamby, who now plays for the Los Angeles Sparks, Bryant illuminated facets of her talent she was unaware of. “If Kobe tells you you can play defense, you can play defense,” she humorously noted.
In the aftermath of the tragic helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, that claimed the lives of Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, and seven others, many female basketball players took time to reflect on the impact he had on their sport. They expressed belief that Bryant would be proud of the strides women’s sports have made, especially with rising popularity and visibility. This growth is particularly noticeable in women’s basketball, the sport beloved by both Bryant and Gianna.
Last season, the WNBA saw its most-viewed regular season in 24 years and achieved its best attendance figures in 22 seasons. Notably, some of the league’s star athletes are now participating in a newly established 3-on-3 league in South Florida called Unrivaled, which was co-founded by Olympic champions Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart. “We carry this on for him,” stated Satou Sabally of the WNBA’s Dallas Wings, who competes for a team in Unrivaled. “He would be incredibly proud of this league. I know he’s looking down, hopefully smiling and proud of us.”
Sabally shared her emotional response when remembering the tragic day in January 2020, recalling how she and her teammates at Oregon bonded over their admiration for Kobe. “He was a person that saw us women as the talents we are,” Sabally explained. “He attended our games and was always vocal in his support.”
The shock of Bryant’s death resonated powerfully across both the sports and entertainment industries, prompting heartfelt tributes from many as disbelief spread. Fans and players alike were glued to screens as news of the tragedy broke, with NBA players visibly moved before games that day. “I will always remember exactly where I was when I heard the news,” said Kate Martin of the Golden State Valkyries, who is now playing for Laces BC at Unrivaled. “No one knew if it was real or a hoax.”
While Martin never had the chance to personally meet Bryant, she admires his competitive spirit and his contributions to women’s sports advocacy. Bryant was closely engaged with his daughters’ basketball pursuits, even coaching Gianna’s youth team. Often seen attending women’s games, especially those featuring the UConn Huskies—who captivated Gianna—he had high hopes that she would extend his legacy on the basketball court with plans for her to attend Connecticut and, likely, join the WNBA thereafter.
Despite past controversies, including a 2003 charge of sexual assault that was eventually dropped, Bryant’s dedication to women’s sports never wavered. He had maintained that the encounter was consensual, and a subsequent civil suit was settled out of court. An iconic image remains: Kobe and Gianna courtside at a 2019 Lakers game, with him sporting an orange pullover adorned with a WNBA logo while Gianna beamed beside him.
“He recognized our gift and our talent and how special it is,” reflected former Chicago Sky head coach Teresa Weatherspoon, who now coaches Unrivaled’s Vinyl BC team. As a stalwart advocate for women’s sports, Bryant’s influence continues to endure. “He’s greatly missed,” Martin said. “But his legacy will live on forever.”
