Now that the Iowa Hawkeyes three-peated at the Big Ten championships, it’s only appropriate that their star channels one of the last clutch heroes to three-peat in the NBA. After the 94-89 win over the Nebraska Cornhuskers, Caitlin Clark broke the Internet once more with her trophy. The images, of course, were a near-accurate recreation of Kobe Bryant‘s unforgettable dejected photo series after his 2001 win.

Clark though was not in the same mood as Bryant two decades ago. She was over the moon for her team. But then enters one nifty social media expert by the name of Bri Lewerke who posed a request to Clark – do a Kobe. Like the Nike Kobes-wearing on-court heroine she is, Clark delivered.

In a cap and shorts, Clark held her head down in the locker room while cradling her trophy in a dejected fashion. She’s missing Kobe’s very real sulky face but she absolutely nails it overall. Commemorating it, she was wearing the Nike Kobes she wore when she broke Pete Maravich’s record.

Bri Lewerke is a social media manager at Spotify and a University of Northern Iowa alum. She also works in the sports media scene and is occupied capturing as many photo ops in the Big Ten Championships as possible.

READ MORE: Annoyed by Michael Jordan Praise, Kobe Bryant Was Forced to Make Rare Move Only to Prove His Worth

The recreation received mixed reactions. Some loved the throwback, others didn’t. The latter faction especially pointed out the context from the original Kobe pictures.

The story behind memorable Kobe Bryant moment

When Bryant took that image on the bench after the 2001 NBA Finals, a personal situation colored his mood. His parents, Pam and Joe Bryant, disapproved of his relationship with the erstwhile Vanessa Laine. They had grown estranged from Kobe and didn’t attend his games when he was on a championship run.

The Lakers played against the Philadelphia 76ers and his parents were residing in Philadelphia at that time. However, they chose to not attend the games under protest. Not having his parents at the biggest night of his career was a real downer that was captured in that photograph.

Top Stories

Cam Newton Makes NFL Return Conditions Clear to 32 Teams as Panthers Legend Confirms Retirement Stance

Caitlin Clark Shows Concerning Signs vs. Kelsey Plum During USA Camp Debut, per National Reporter

Tom Brady Makes Career Announcement for Vegas as Pete Carroll Addresses Losing Raiders Locker Room

“RIP”: Prayers Pour In as Tom Brady’s Raiders Struck by Tragedy

“NFL Was Crying”: Maxx Crosby Says League Forced Him to Remove Shoes Honoring His Daughter

“Rest in Peace”: Prayers Pour In From Dan Marino as Dolphins Legend Mourns Tragedy in South Florida Football

Regardless of his parents’ disapproval, Kobe and Vanessa married. Today, Vanessa Bryant is furthering his legacy with the help of NCAA stars like Caitlin Clark and Nike. Vanessa hasn’t reacted to Clark’s recreation of her husband’s unforgettable moment. Fans have though and the consensus is mixed. What did you think about Clark’s Big Ten-adjacent viral moment?

READ MORE: After Breaking Stephen Curry’s Record, ‘Humble’ Caitlin Clark Puts 5’11 Teammate Under Spotlight