Kobe Bryant built himself into a global icon over the course of his 20-year NBA career, so it is little surprise that tributes poured in from all corners of the United States and beyond when the 41-year-old basketball legend died in a helicopter crash in California Sunday morning.
West Virginia is no exception, with several current and former WVU athletes paying tribute to Bryant on social media.
None were more affected than Mountaineers legend Jerry West.
“To wake up to this news, this has been one of the most horrible days of my life,” West said in an interview with CBS Los Angeles, his voice breaking. “I felt like I’ve lost a son. I’m frankly not doing very well.”
As Los Angeles Lakers general manager, it was West who orchestrated the deal that sent center Vlade Divac to the Charlotte Hornets for Bryant, who was taken with the 13th overall pick out of Philadelphia’s Lower Merion High School in 1996.
West released an official statement addressing the crash, which also killed Bryant’s 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven others on board.
“I am so saddened for Kobe’s parents, Vanessa, Natalia, Bianka, Capri, Kobe’s sisters and all of the NBA fans that hold Kobe in their hearts,” West wrote. “This loss of Kobe, Gianna and everyone on board is beyond tragic and incomprehensible.
“I will love Kobe forever and always cherish the time that I spent with him. I watched him grow from an energetic kid into the man he became, making a difference in so many people’s life. He has left the world a better place, Kobe’s legacy will life forever.”
West was there for each step of the peaks and valleys of Bryant’s maturation, rise to stardom, fall from grace and then his elevation to legendary status.
“To see the transformation of him from a 17-year-old kid who used to spend time at my house with my son Ryan driving him because he couldn’t drive — he couldn’t even sign a contract because he was too young,” West told CBS. “To wanting me to go to a gym with him to watch him work out and maybe make suggestions to him. I felt like a surrogate father to him.”
Bryant’s final act as retired family man brought the most joy to West.
“The thing that brought me great joy was to watch him with his wife and kids,” West said. “It was truly inspiring to see this. He lived in a world of testosterone, as all athletes do. For him to be able to separate the athletic accomplishments with his personal accomplishments, this was a brilliant kid…
“It’s going to take me a long time to get over this one.”
Lakers legend Jerry West on Kobe Bryant: "This was a man for all seasons. He was more than an iconic basketball player." https://t.co/MBzcc3pHmF pic.twitter.com/v0AXfoJ3jU
— ABC News (@ABC) January 27, 2020
Other Mountaineers react to Kobe Bryant’s death
When reports of Bryant’s death began to trickle out before being confirmed by media organizations, Monutaineers forward Emmitt Matthews reacted the same way as so many others — with total disbelief and a simple, heartbreaking message.
nah
— Emmitt Matthews Jr. (@THEDOOSKIE) January 26, 2020
Though he plays football, WVU wide receiver TJ Simmons shared the sentiments of many athletes.
https://twitter.com/a_scouts_dream/status/1221520264221118466?s=20
Former Mountaineers quarterback Geno Smith, currently with the Seattle Seahawks, called for Bryant’s No. 24 to be retired across the NBA.
Prayers up for the Bryant family.. you will he missed @kobebryant .. you were the model of competitive consistency.. on and off the court led the way! @NBA retire #24
— Geno (@GenoSmith3) January 26, 2020
Unlike many players his age, Bryant wasn’t the favorite player of West Virginia guard Miles McBride growing up. But McBride clearly felt the loss of an athlete that influenced younger generations with his maniacal work ethic.
He wasn’t my favorite player but he inspired me and so many others to be great and nothing less. The competitiveness and work ethic is something that will never be matched. Prayers up to his family and everyone affected. #thankyoukobe #LongliveMamba pic.twitter.com/P341lyudkh
— M11es McBride (@deucemcb11) January 26, 2020