A local basketball hero is still trying to process the sudden and tragic passing of a former competitor and friend.
Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash yesterday in California along with his 13-year-old daughter and seven others.
Lost for words, I can’t express how I’m feeling, thoughts and prayers to the Bryant family! #thankyou #ripkobe #KobeBryant #legend #gigi pic.twitter.com/Ujl1mtWOL0
— Carl English (@cenglish23) January 26, 2020
Carl English of St. Bride’s was notified of the tragedy by text yesterday as he was coming home from practice with his son. He had to pull the vehicle over, in shock.
English idolized Bryant as an athlete, and calls the loss “devastating.” He played against Bryant on the court, and first met him years ago at the University of Hawaii where the Lakers used to hold their training camps.
English later played on Team Canada against Bryant and the “Dream Team”. He remembers being star-struck at the time.
Kobe played guard against him and when English ran, Bryant would make train noises to try to psych him out.
English says it was a blessing playing on the same court with Bryant.
Earlier Story
NBA legend Kobe Bryant has died in a helicopter crash at the age of 41.
Reports say that Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, along with seven other passengers, died when his personal helicopter crashed near Calabasas, California on Sunday.
Kobe was so much more than an athlete, he was a family man. That was what we had most in common. I would hug his children like they were my own and he would embrace my kids like they were his. His baby girl Gigi was born on the same day as my youngest daughter Me’Arah. pic.twitter.com/BHBPN5Wq8V
— SHAQ (@SHAQ) January 26, 2020
Bryant retired in 2016 as the third-leading scorer in NBA history, and held that spot until just last night when he was passed by Lebron James.
He suited up with the Los Angeles Lakers for two decades as a prolific scorer with an all-around game and was a relentless competitor.
Bryant won five NBA championships with the Lakers and had one of the greatest careers in recent NBA history. He was the league MVP in 2008 and a two-time NBA scoring champion, and he earned 12 selections to the NBA’s All-Defensive teams.
Condolences to the Bryant family on this tragic loss. My heart is with our NL sports family at this time, especially the thousands of young basketball players who were inspired by his greatness. https://t.co/NLpTCvNcM5
— Premier of NL (@PremierofNL) January 26, 2020
