Growing up, we make mistakes. One of the biggest mistakes i made was taking my parents for granted, and not viewing them as ‘special’ or ‘extraordinary’ (something I try my best not to do now).
Because of this, I searched elsewhere for a role model. Enter Kobe Bryant, a young and upcoming star in the NBA. A person playing my favorite sport in my old hometown. Perfect.
It could have ended there. But Kobe wasn’t an average player. He (Along with Shaq) carried the Lakers to 3 straight championships. And here I was in Toronto, a 6/7 year old kid wearing a Kobe jersey, cheering along.
Kobe did everything. He worked harder than everybody else, and nobody could stop him, other than himself. I attempted to instill this outlook on all applicable facets of my life. He made me believe that I would go as far as I took myself, both in basketball and academically. He made me hate losing. He made me a competitor.
Players came into the league that were more efficient than him. People criticized him for being a ball hog. Regardless, he was giving it 100% every time he got on the floor. He was doing what he thought was best for his team. And most importantly, he got the job done, winning 2 more championships for a grand total of 5. He embodied the notion that hard work led to success. This became a cornerstone of my everyday life.
To me, Kobe is the GOAT. Jordan had better numbers, but I never watched Jordan as a Bull (live). I don’t know who Jordan is. I know who Kobe is. I witnessed The Black Mamba. I witnessed ‘Hand Down, Man Down.’ I witnessed 5 championships.
Having outgrown my jersey (something which my little brother wore, before he outgrew it too), I stand here today a man who doesn’t necessarily act out all the things I believe in. I want to work harder than everyone else, but I don’t always do so. I mentally strive to be better than my peers, but execute this desire poorly at times. I wish to pay attention to every detail, but end up being less than perfect.
Essentially, I am who I am today partly due to him.
I’m just not Kobe Bryant.
