Pat Benson
The loss of Kobe Bryant still doesn’t feel real. Last Monday morning I wrote about how his loss hit me. This week I want to ask some of Chattanooga’s top athletes and coaches what they learned from Kobe. Here is what they had to say:
“For me, Kobe was one of my peers. You hate to hear about anything tragic happening. Especially in that manner. We played 3-4 times, and I always got a sense of how he worked his behind off. As a competitor, the way he worked, he inspired you to work just as hard. Especially in the summer. You know you were going to have to face him and be competitive otherwise was going to embarrass you.” – Johnny Taylor. UTC “Sweet 16” team. #17 pick in the 1997 NBA Draft by Orlando Magic.
“Work ethic and competitive edge. Jordan – James – Bryant. The only reason Kobe is in that discussion for the greatest that ever played the game was his work was elite and uncommon. His 4:00am workouts are legendary. He outworked everybody. His desire to be the best was unique. His competitive separated him from the rest. He wanted to be the best and will always be in that conversation.” – Coach John Shulman. UTC Men’s Basketball 2004-2013. UAH 2019-present.
“I grew up watching Kobe Bryant, and he was my favorite NBA basketball player. The biggest thing I learned from him was that you have to have a good work ethic and work hard to accomplish your goals. He played with so much passion for the game and was just so much fun to watch. One of the biggest things I try to teach my girls is to always work hard for what you want and fight for it until you get there.” – Coach Bailey McGinnis. Former player at TWC. Red Bank High School Girls Basketball Coach.
“Kobe was my generation’s Jordan. His mindset, mentality and approach to the game is what set him apart. Whether you loved him or hated him you still had to respect him. He brought a level of seriousness to the game ‘the mamba mentality’ that every young athlete was influenced by. The death of Kobe has made me realize that we all human, and we all go through things. I’m blessed to be in a situation that allows me to make an impact! #MAMBAOUT24” – Coach E’Jay Ward. Former player at TWU. Tyner High School Boys Basketball Coach.
“Kobe did things his way. He alienated a lot of people early on, but he didn’t have a typical childhood. Kobe always was aware of his weaknesses in his game and worked to correct them. I was born in 1990, Kobe was drafted in 1996, really started playing 1997-2016. It was virtually my first memories of watching and wanting to play basketball. I can honestly say I wouldn’t have been a college basketball player or college basketball coach without Kobe Bryant. I just would’ve played football like my dad and maybe ended up in the NFL lol” – Coach Volonte Bell. Former player at OVU and Cleveland State. Assistant Chattanooga State Men’s Basketball Coach.
“The thing that made Kobe so great was his uncanny ability to focus on the task at hand. Whether it was on or off the court, Kobe looked at each challenge with that fiery drive. That inspired his teammates for years. That drive should be inspiring to all of us as well. No matter what obstacles come our way – ‘Tough times never last, tough people do!’ Kobe lived by this mantra and we should as well!” – Pat Benson Sr. Former runner for UTC Cross Country and Track & Field. Long-time public school teacher and coach.
“I learned from Kobe that it’s ok to fail and not be afraid to fail. I learned to go 100% every play, non-stop. And to continue to work hard everyday and get better as a player and a person. I learned from Kobe to have a passion for the game that you love. That’s why I have passion the way I do when I play basketball. He had an impact on me to where I would watch his games before he retired. The way he played was ridiculous. He could do whatever he wants. He was really unguardable. That’s how I want my game to be like. That made me into the player I am today. And I’m going to continue to play and become better and do it for Kobe and his daughter as well.” – Madison Hayes. East Hamilton ’20. Mississippi State Commit.
“Kobe Bryant was my inspiration. He’s the reason I wanted to play basketball. I wore 24 & 8 as a kid all the way up until high school and then I wore 10. He wore 10 for Team USA and my brother wore 10 as well, so 10 became the number for me. I lived my whole life with 2 Lakers posters, 3 Kobe posters, and 5 Kobe jerseys. My parents even named me after him. He was a big deal to my family and me. It was a very sad day at our house filled with tears and many sad feelings. We loved Kobe as a player, but even more as a man and father. Watching how he took care of his family and how he led the world through his competitive nature showed me a lot about myself. He’s the reason I compete at such a high level and give it my all. Last night, I scored 24 points and it was crazy to do that because I played that game for him. He really has a big place in my heart” – JaCobi Wood. Cleveland High School ’20. Belmont Commit.
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Thank you to all the players and coaches who shared their thoughts on Kobe. Special thanks to Jeff Cate for helping me get in touch with all of these people. I hope anyone who reads this finds inspiration and motivation.
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Pat Benson has been a sideline reporter, P.A. announcer and radio personality. Tweet him @Pat_Benson_Jr