SAN FRANCISCO — The untimely death of Kobe Bryant has had a rippling effect on the basketball community, including at San Francisco State.
Bryant, 41, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, and seven others were killed in a helicopter crash on Sunday, January 26 in Calabasas. The 18-time NBA All-Star and five-time champion known for his "Mamba Mentality" left an indelible mark on the sporting world and was a role model for a generation of young basketball players.
San Francisco State Head Coach
Natasha Smith has pointed to Bryant as being a role model for her growing up.
Additionally, guard
Taimane Lesa-Hardee, who has worn No. 24 in her first two seasons as a Gator, has announced that she will be changing to No. 21 in honor of Bryant, essentially "retiring" the number for the remainder of the season.
"I've decided to change my number from 24 to 21 to show my respect to NBA legend Kobe Bryant. Growing up, Kobe was a player who I looked up to because he was willing to sacrifice for his love for basketball," said Lesa-Hardee. "He put so much into the game and in return we witnessed greatness every time he stepped on the floor. He was an outstanding person and father who was taken away from us too soon."
The Gators take the court twice this week, at Cal Poly Pomona on Thurdsay, January 30 and at Cal State San Bernardino on Saturday, February 1.
