“Saddest of Days”: Fans Pushed Into a Pool of Tears After UConn Brings Back Gigi’s Iconic Line on Her & Kobe Bryant’s 4th Death Anniversary

Published 01/27/2024, 4:40 AM EST

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UConn, a strong team that it is, has been fighting hard this season. Known for their resilience, determination, and success, they may very well truly represent the much revered Mamba mentality. The Huskies, however, are hit with a different feeling today on Gigi and Kobe Byrant’s 4th death anniversary. Even after four years, the incident still feels like a fever dream.

Channeling their same spirit of perseverance today, the Huskies share a heart-touching gesture that is giving many from the fandom, misty eyes.

Gigi and Kobe Bryant, as remembered by UConn

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In their recent Instagram post, UConn shared a heartfelt and touching picture of Kobe, with his hands wrapped around Gigi, remembering them on their 4th death anniversary. Notably, the photo has been captioned, “always with us.”

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In another picture shared, coach Geno Auriemma can be seen pointing towards his t-shirt with Gigi’s quote written on it which said, “When you think you can’t…UCONN.” The phrase has its origin in a letter once written by Gigi to the UConn Huskies team.

On this note, the team honored Gigi by wearing t-shirts with her quote during their warm-ups before games. Gigi aspired to be a Husky given her strong connection with UConn. Moreover, she became an honorary member of the team. Aspiring to be a UConn Husky, she was referred to as ‘Husky forever’ by the team.

UConn’s love for Gigi is evident, as they honored Gigi by draping her No.2 jersey over one of the bench seats in an exhibition game against the US Women’s National Team. Moreover, they placed a bouquet wrapped in blue and white ribbons in front of it. The team had shared this photo then with a caption, “Mambacita is a forever a Husky.”

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As fans, both Gigi and Kobe would often attend the Huskies’ games together. Proud of his little girl, Kobe once told Reggie Miller that ‘Gigi was hellbent on UConn’.

Paige Bueckers paying tribute

This season, Bueckers has been delivering a remarkable performance in her games. Notably, before her return to the court this season, Bueckers paid tribute to Gigi in a heart-touching gesture by donning the same t-shirt, as a gesture of remembrance and respect.

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She wore the t-shirt during her practice sessions. This tribute not only resonated with the basketball community but also among those who continue to feel Gigi’s absence. Although no longer with us, Gigi and Kobe will always remain alive in our hearts as our everlasting heroes.

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Written by:

Dimple Gupta

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“Learn to thrive in thorns in order to become the rose of your life”. I like this very idea of resilience and how it defines six and seven footers of the NBA. They fall down, but they never stay down.
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Edited by:

Jayant Chhabra