Tributes flow from Coasters

THE Gold Coast basketball community has linked arms with the world as the sport of basketball struggles to come to terms with the loss of alltime great, Kobe Bryant.

The Lakers’ legend, who visited Melbourne in March 2019 for his The Mamba Mentality Experience show, was admired by many current Gold Coast basketball stars.

Rollers sharpshooter Jackie Luna-Castro labelled Bryant as her basketball idol based on his approach to “basketball, business and life”.

North Gold Coast general manager and former NBL player Dwayne Vale said basketball was mourning the loss of a legend.

“Basketball lost a great one in Kobe Bryant,” he said.

“Not only was he a championship winner, multiple MVP winner and a two-time Olympic Gold medal winner but he was also a human being who leaves behind a wife and a young family: That resonates with any family anywhere in the world.

“It’s incredibly sad that his 13-year-old daughter was also lost on the same day. A life taken way too young.

“Kobe will forever have legendary status within basketball.”

Gold Coast basketball general manager Joel McInnes said Bryant’s impact on the game would be felt in years to come.

“Kobe Bryant was the Michael Jordan to those who never saw Michael play through his prime,” he said.

“He had the ability to make you respect him, loathe him and love him. He was the rare athlete that took his potential and exceeded it with intelligence and an incredible work ethic.”