As the striking news hit the internet, it was a shock to many that Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna (Gigi) Bryant passed away in a tragic helicopter accident along with seven others on January 26^th, 2020. Gigi was a stellar basketball player, just like her father. She spent a large part of her life watching her father excel on the court. She enjoyed the game and had a burning passion to go far with her love of basketball. At some point in her career she aspired to make it to the WNBA, but her urge to play for Geno Auriemma’s UConn Huskies was even greater. 

The day after the accident, the Huskies hosted the US Women’s National Team for a scrimmage. UConn had a jersey made in honour of Gigi with a number two on it (her number from her previous basketball experience). The Huskies draped this jersey across the back of the bench, accompanied by flowers on the seat. 

This was a very emotional night for everyone. It is very important that they did this. Showing such great support goes beyond sportsmanship in the community. Kobe and Gigi’s passing was a very large pill to swallow for the sport industry. It is tough times like this where communities come together to help each other out, and to me this is very important. 

In any sport, a very important concept is sportsmanship. Sportsmanship is a very crucial trait to being a good athlete. This can be expressed inside and/or outside of the game, and in multiple ways. The article “Ethic and Sport” discusses sportsmanship and the idea that sportsmanship comes from morals, meaning it is expressed when you believe you should do something. The draping of Gigi Bryant’s jersey expressed great sportsmanship. This kind but simple act from the UConn girls left many people very thankful to be apart of such a loving sports community.

Megan C

Featured Image: Gigi’s jersey draped across bench (Source: CNN)