Ugandans pay tribute to basketball's Kobe Bryant

BASKETBALL    KOBE BRYANT

Five-time NBA champion Bryant represented the LA Lakers for the entirety of his 20-year career and is considered one of the greatest basketball players to ever grace the game. Local players pay tribute to the legend who died in a helicopter crash with 8 others.

Innocent Ochera - It is a hard time for the basketball fraternity. He was everything in basketball, his work ethic was epic and he was a good player on and off the court and I admired his discipline on and off court.

Stephen Omony - Basketball can never be the same again without the man. He had a lot of impact on the game and our lives. A lot of people learnt from him. He had a strong mindset and sheer will to conquer and he always set the standard. For me I'm still in shock and I'm sure the game will never be the same. He did not only touch our lives but those of the whole world. He taught me that failure was never an option and that as long as you're determined to work, you'll always overcome.

Stephen Omony

Jimmy Enabu - It is very sad indeed! He was my idol, I can't believe he is no more and I'm still in shock. He taught us so much about the game. And his legacy will live on, but I'm devastated.

 

Jimmy Enabu cant beleive the legend is gone.

 

Ben Komakech - All of us looked up to him as we grew up. I couldn't even sleep when I heard the news about his death. It is like he knew me! He leaves great memories; I used to watch him a lot and try to transform what he was doing on court especially shooting from inside the arc.

Ben Komakech

Joseph Ikong - As players we all learnt a lot from him. He had that never say die attitude. He always encouraged us to endure until we become successful. He was a bench player for almost a season with the Lakers but he put in a lot of hard work and redeemed the situation.

Joseph Ikong

Geoffrey Soro - We are here in the game because of him. All the players in our generation have grown imitating Kobe, his dress code, his style etc. He inspired many people to play basketball and everything about him is legendary. He had a never-give-up attitude which we all try to emulate. The passing of his daughter with him is even more devastating.

Geoffrey Soro picked inspiration from Kobe.

 

Isaac Afidra - It is very devastating! I learnt about his death at around 1am and failed to sleep thereafter. He was a great inspiration in both life and basketball. He taught us that you had to work in order to achieve. And he walked the talk. I will really miss him and condolences to his family, may his soul rest in peace.

Isaac Afidra admired Kobe.

Compiled by Michael Nsubuga