As the daughter of Kobe Bryant – a five-time NBA champion – Gianna Bryant had big shoes to fill.
Like her father, the 13-year-old was a prodigiously talented basketball player. With his help as her personal coach, Gianna hoped to become a professional.
Bryant was confident Gianna would do so, often speaking of his wish for her to continue his legacy, albeit in the women’s game.
Tragically, neither would live to see that aspiration come to fruition.
Bryant and Gianna were reported to be heading to a basketball game on Sunday when their helicopter crashed in the city of Calabasas, west of Los Angeles. There were no survivors.
The pair was expected to take part in a basketball tournament for young players at the Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks, US media report.
Attending basketball games together was typical of their relationship, which was said to be close.
The second of Bryant’s four daughters, Gianna dreamed of following in her father’s footsteps. In an interview, Bryant had said his daughter was determined to play for the University of Connecticut women’s basketball team.
