A number of artists, in support of the Taguig City government, recently repainted an entire basketball covered court in Barangay Ususan to pay tribute to the late NBA legend Kobe Bryant.
In 2016, Bryant visited this basketball court where he shared knowledge to young basketball players of Taguig as part of his Mamba Mentality Tour, following his retirement from a 20-year NBA career.
The five-time NBA champion was a frequent visitor of Taguig. He first stepped foot in Taguig in September 2007 at the Nike Park in Bonifacio Global City for his Supernatural Asia Tour where he interacted with schoolchildren during a basketball clinic for these kids.
Bryant returned in July 2011 in Barangay Pinagsama where he also visited and greeted youngsters during a basketball training camp.
It was followed by his appearance in Ususan in 2016. During the same visit to the country, Bryant also returned to Nike Park in BGC for his Mamba Mentality Tour.
An exhibit in honor of Kobe has also been set up by the city government at the Ususan Covered Court where fans of all ages may visit and reminisce his legacy in basketball.
A resident in Barangay Ususan and an NBA fan said Bryant is a legend not only being an MVP in NBA, but in his deeds of sharing his talents to the people in the Philippines.
“How we felt so in griefs as we learned his passing too soon for his age and for Gigi his daughter. He deserves all the accolades and great memories being done for him. Salute to you guys for that mural. His memories of inspirations will be passed down for generations to come,” she said.
Another NBA fan in Taguig also said ‘This mural represents and deserves a world’s icon hero. You may be gone but your heroic name will stay in our hearts forevermore. R.I.P Kobe, Gigi.”
On Jan. 26, Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna died in a helicopter crash in California. Seven other people were also killed during the crash.
