While players try to emulate others, it can often be an unsuccessful endeavor. However, sometimes the beauty of the game translates and a comparison becomes legendary. Think Kobe Bryant to Michael Jordan. However, sometimes the comparisons are so apparent and in your face that they are impossible to miss. Throughout the FIBA World Cup, one player has caught everyone’s attention.

Hailing from the relatively under-talented basketball nation of Jordan, the left-handed Kobe Bryant is making waves all around the world. After a world-class display that included a ridiculous game-saving bucket, the Jordanian spoke about the effect of the Mamba.

The presence of Kobe Bryant at the FIBA World Cup

While the FIBA World Cup is an exciting time for basketball fans, the results are usually the same. Team USA triumphs. But each year we see a surprise team or story. While Canada could pull off the impossible, a different name has taken center stage.

This year, the story of the tournament has been, without question, Rondae Hollis Jefferson. A 7-year NBA veteran, the dreads sporting Jefferson was a solid role player during his days with the Brooklyn Nets, Toronto Raptors, and the Portland Trail Blazers.

Trending

Big Setback for Shaq, as $155 Billion Company Eyes Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith Post-TNT Era

May 17, 2024 10:54 PM EDT

“Could Hear Jeanie Buss & Rob Pelinka Chuckling”: LeBron James Declared to Be Manipulating NBA World With Obvious Bluff

May 17, 2024 12:58 PM EDT

Countdown Starts for Charles Barkley and TNT Crew as Ernie Johnson Makes Heartfelt Confession Before Parting

May 16, 2024 06:00 AM EDT

Caitlin Clark in Deep Waters as Indiana Fever Shatter Embarrassing WNBA Record After Defeat Against Sabrina Ionescu and Co.

May 17, 2024 07:05 AM EDT

Exclusive: Shaquille O’Neal Has Big Plans to Dethrone Nike With Allen Iverson & Reebok, Ex-Agent Reveals

May 17, 2024 02:15 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

However, since then, he’s moved on to the BSN and has been a star overseas. That stardom came into full effect at the World Cups. With almost an identical build to Kobe (1 kg short with the same height), a bald RHJ looked like a carbon copy of the Los Angeles Lakers legend.

As a result, the left-handed Kobe Bryant nickname came into being. Channeling the legend before him, Rondae almost led his team to a remarkable upset over a game New Zealand squad. Ultimately, it wasn’t to be. But his remarkable play, especially at the end of regulation, caused the comparison to grow louder. As a result, even Jefferson had to speak about it.

Nasty Falls, Bloodied Josh Giddey, Dennis Schroder’s 30 Points, and a Nervous Dirk Nowitzki – Germany’s Insane Last Second Win Had It All

“It’s an honor…There was only one Kobe but to feel that love and that energy…Coming down the stretch and hitting those big shots. God was with me and Kobe was with me,” he said. Those big shots he’s speaking about? Perhaps none more so than his iconic and-one.

RHJ almost pulls off the miracle

In an instant classic, the Jordanian side went up against New Zealand. While the Kiwis dominated much of the contest, a late rally from Jordan put them back in the game. However, crucial missed free throws from Jefferson around the 2-minute mark spelled doom for his nation.

With a shade over 15 seconds left, the game was all but over as New Zealand held a 4-point lead over their opponent. However, in the spirit of Kobe Bryant, long considered one of the most clutch players in the history of the sport, Hollis came through.

Watch This Story: What Happened The Last Time Team USA Faced New Zealand At The FIBA World Cup? 

Dribbling to the left wing, RHJ pulled up from deep, getting fouled in the process. Sinking the resultant free throw as well as the original shot, the scores were tied. As a result, the 2023 FIBA World Cup saw its first overtime. While the island nation was able to prevail, RHJ cemented himself as a World Cup legend. Somewhere, just days after Mamba Day, Kobe was looking on.