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The deaths of NBA superstar Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna have had the world in tears over the sudden tragedy over the past several days.
While many are still coming to terms with the unfortunate incident, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the University of Connecticut have decide to honour the father and daughter in the wake of the tragedy.
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Back in December, it was announced that the NBA legend was one of the 2020 Hall of Fame nominees, alongside Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Tim Hardaway, and Tyrone “Muggsy” Bogues.
Now, Kobe has been confirmed as a “first-ballot enshrinement” to be inducted along with Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett in the ceremony that will take place in August.
The Hall of Fame inductions is “expected to be the most epic class ever with Kobe, Tim Duncan, and Kevin Garnett,” said HOF chairman and former USA Basketball Director Jerry Colangelo.
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The 41-year-old basketball superstar was a five-time NBA champion, 11-time All-NBA first-team selection, 2008 MVP, two-time Finals MVP, 18-time All-Star and four-time All-Star MVP who spent his 20-year career with one team: the Los Angeles Lakers.
Kobe also won gold medals with the USA Basketball team at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and 2012 London Olympics. His induction into the 2020 Hall of Fame is most certainly appropriate.
In the meantime, Kobe’s 13-year-old daughter Giana “Gigi” Bryant, who also lost her life in the helicopter crash; will be receiving an honour of her own from her dream school, the University of Connecticut.
People reported that at the recent UConn women’s basketball game on Monday night, a seat was reserved on the bench for Gianna, who wanted to attend the college and become a Husky herself.
The team specially-created a Huskies No. 2 jersey for Gianna in tribute to the young basketball player.
Definitely the most deserving honours for these two icons.
RIP Kobe and Gigi.
Info via The Root