The story of the late Kobe Bryant and his success will always be etched as one of the greatest. Before Kobe could ever set foot in the NBA, he endured all that life threw his way. He endured more than he could and fought everything against him. Despite all the success and glory, not many know the struggles he went through to be who he is. Every aspiring athlete starts their journey in their beloved sport, and only a few conquer it.
Kobe Bean Bryant was born to Joe Bryant and Pam Bryant. Kobe grew up watching his father in the NBA and decided what he wanted to do in life. However, it didn’t mean it would be smooth sailing. With Joe finishing his contract in the NBA and without any offer from any team, they moved to Italy. Kobe was only 6 years old when they moved overseas. This crushed Kobe’s hopes of playing basketball.
Kobe went to Italy and was the only African-American in the school, which made him feel like an outsider. He wanted to improve his game of basketball, but with children engaged in football, it made things hard. Italian kids often played football on basketball courts, with goalposts underneath the rings. However, Kobe found a way to play basketball. Kobe would sneak out of his balcony to play at a church playground, which had a hoop.
Kobe Bryant, Lower Merion HS. Pennsylvania poty, Naismith high school poty, 1996. pic.twitter.com/Kcc61xiwno
— King Kobe 👑 (@Mamba_lifestyle) November 30, 2021
Kobe trained and eventually participated in organized basketball. In the summers Kobe and his family would go to Philadelphia. There he joined the Sonny Hill Future League. In his first summer, he scored 0 points. It’s where he started idolizing Michael Jordan who was cut out from his school team. In his 3rd Sonny Hill Future League, Kobe eventually became the best player that summer.
When was Kobe Bryant born?
Kobe Bryant was born on August 23, 1978, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was born in a household where sports had great value, his father and maternal uncle, John Cox played professional basketball. This was enough reason for him to join the sport of basketball and it became his ultimate goal to play in the NBA. Eventually, this would all turn true when Orlando Magic came knocking on Kobe’s door.
Kobe finished high school and instead of going to college, explored the idea of joining the NBA. Numerous colleges were interested in Kobe, however, he had one goal. Today Kobe is known as a Los Angeles Lakers legend, however, Orlando Magic drafted the young Kobe as the 13th overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft. The Magic didn’t see the need for Kobe and eventually traded him to the Lakers for Vlade Divac, the rest is history.