Syracuse Basketball: Jim Boeheim reflects on Kobe Bryant, Team USA
Syracuse basketball head coach Jim Boeheim reflects on Kobe Bryant and their time spent together with Team USA. Here are the details.
It’s still hard to process that one of the greatest basketball players of all-time has left us. But that’s exactly what tragically transpired with Kobe Bryant and eight others passing away in a horrible helicopter accident over the weekend.
It leaves a pit in all of our stomachs because of what Kobe meant to the game and well beyond it. In addition to this senseless tragedy that took the life of Bryant, it also claimed the lives of three young women including Kobe’s daughter Gianna “Gigi” Bryant who was just 13-years old.
On Sunday evening, Syracuse basketball head coach Jim Boeheim released a statement via his social media feed:
"“Kobe Bryant wasn’t only one of the greatest basketball players ever, he was also the hardest working player I’ve ever been around. I was so fortunate to have known him and coaching him with Team USA. Our thoughts and our prayers are with his wife, Vanessa, and the Bryant family.”"
Kobe Bryant was not only one of the greatest basketball players ever, he was also the hardest working player I’ve ever been around. I was so fortunate to have known him and coached him with Team USA. Our thoughts and our prayers are with his wife, Vanessa, and the Bryant family.
— Jim Boeheim (@therealboeheim) January 26, 2020
Boeheim on top of his Hall of Fame resume as a coach with the Syracuse basketball team has also spent time as an assistant coach with Team USA.
During his time with Team USA, he coached Kobe Bryant during the 2008 Olympic Games.
In a conversation with Donna Ditota of Syracuse.com Boeheim reiterated that Kobe was the hardest worker he’s ever seen:
"“That’s who he was. He set a high standard. He’s the hardest worker I’ve ever seen. Jordan, I didn’t coach, but Jordan was the same. Of all the guys that I’ve ever coached and ever seen, he worked harder than everybody.”"
Also on Sunday evening, Syracuse’s best player Elijah Hughes credited Kobe Bryant for “inspiring” him to pick up a basketball:
"“Peoples champ! Rest in peace Kobe, thank you for everything! You helped inspire a young kid from Beacon to pick up a basketball!”"
Next. Syracuse Basketball: Top 30 Players in School History. dark
The NBA is currently working on ways to pay tribute to one of the best players of all-time. Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban released in a statement that the No. 24 will never again be worn by a member of his team.