Kobe Bryant has been, arguably, one of the most influential NBA stars outside of a basketball court. Kids and young athletes all around the world look up to him and his famed Mamba Mentality. Eminent columnist and author Mike Sielski recently talked on The Woj Pod about his latest book titled, “The Rise: Kobe Bryant and the Pursuit of Immortality.”
When asked about Kobe Bryant by the host, Mike reveals a very interesting fact about Bryant. According to him, Bryant was the black sheep in the house who wasn’t interested in anything other than his game.
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Kobe Bryant directs his teammates during a game against the Timberwolves on Friday, Dec. 11, 2009, at Staples Center. (Photo by Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Mike Sielski talks about a young Kobe Bryant
Sielski’s latest book takes the reader through the early life of Kobe and his struggles behind all the glitter. Talking about his childhood, Mike Sielski reveals a very interesting fact about Kobe.
Mike mentioned, “He hasn’t grown up like most of the kids in his school. He doesn’t know what’s cool in fashion, he doesn’t know what’s cool in music, he doesn’t know what’s cool to watch on TV. He doesn’t know any of the catch phrases. Basketball is his way in. From there, he’s able to find his social groups.“
This gives us an idea of Kobe Bryant’s obsession with basketball. Basketball was the one thing which he excelled at, and he sure made use of his talents. Bryant went on to win 5 NBA championships amidst various other accolades.
How was Kobe’s childhood?
Kobe was born on August 23, 1978, and was the youngest of three siblings. The majority of his childhood was spent in Italy, where he was introduced to basketball. His father, Joe Bryant, was a basketball player himself who spent a part of his career in Italy.
Basketball was his escape from all the pressures of constantly moving due to his father’s career. As mentioned in the documentary, “Kobe Bryant’s Muse”, he would watch videos of American basketball over and over again.
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LOS ANGELES, CA. JAN. 04, 2015. Lakers’ #24 Kobe Bryant all smiles after an assist from teammate Carlos Boozer in a game vs the Pacers’ in the 1st half of the game at Staple Center in Los Angeles on Jan. 04, 2015. LA Lakers play the Indiana Pacers in a regular NBA season game. (Photo by Lawrence K. Ho/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Kobe Bryant’s mentality to win was shaped while he was a child. Playing with elders while still being very young formed a sense of elevated competition in him.
He was already a basketball sensation while at high school. He played for the Lower Merion High School and bagged 31.1 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game during his junior year. The Pennsylvania Player of the Year award went to Kobe after getting these sensational numbers.
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What is your favorite memory of Kobe Bryant? Let us know in the comments below.
