“Ability may bring you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there.” This quote came from former player and UCLA coach, John Wooden. He won the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) tournament 10 consecutive years in a row throughout his 12 year career before retiring. What makes a lot of basketball players unique is their mindset. Take Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan for example. They’re both considered the GOATs of basketball, or, the greatest of all time, but they didn’t just earn this title because of their skills. Both players are extremely talented and ambitious. Although Kobe Bryant is no longer with us, his messages and legacy still live on in our world. Michael Jordan is retired but is still thought of as one of the
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Coach Wooden never focused on his wins or losses because there was still more to come. He enjoyed seeing the hustle and enjoyment when there were games. Jordan, similarly, didn't let his guard down because of one win. He continued to work hard and play to the best of his ability. Let’s not forget the legend himself, Kobe Bryant. Obviously, no bias towards him but the player he was, he just had so much talent and potential and he finally started to share that with his oldest daughter, Gianna (Gigi) Bryant. They died together on January 26, 2020 flying to one of Gigi’s basketball tournaments. She was on the road to becoming a basketball player, moving from AAU teams to her school's league. She had planned on attending college at UCONN where she likely would have been playing alongside player Paige Buecker. In my own opinion, I feel that Gianna could have made it all the way to the big leagues and made the WNBA draft, whether it would be for 2024 or any year beyond. Kobe’s passion for basketball spread throughout his family and he inspires so many younger kids and has made a huge impact on a lot of …show more content…
Angel’s college team, LSU played against Caitlin’s college team (Iowa) during March Madness where they both made it to the “Elite 8”. These games were heated and people like Angel received so much backlash after the game due to her teasing last year, in the 2023 NCAA championships where she beat Iowa. She got fouled out during the last quarter of the game and sat back, but continued cheering for her teammates. Caitlin was careful the whole game because her team was definitely reliant upon her and she even stated in an interview after the game that she “doesn’t get nervous” and that she feels the pressure but it just motivates her to continue doing what she’s doing. Both Reese and Clark are extremely talented players and we’re hoping to see them play against each other in the future. In conclusion, sports icons are very often looked up to by younger generations and they inspire so many people. It’s a good thing that the WNBA is growing their viewers with players like Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark because they are going to expand their audiences
Coach Wooden never focused on his wins or losses because there was still more to come. He enjoyed seeing the hustle and enjoyment when there were games. Jordan, similarly, didn't let his guard down because of one win. He continued to work hard and play to the best of his ability. Let’s not forget the legend himself, Kobe Bryant. Obviously, no bias towards him but the player he was, he just had so much talent and potential and he finally started to share that with his oldest daughter, Gianna (Gigi) Bryant. They died together on January 26, 2020 flying to one of Gigi’s basketball tournaments. She was on the road to becoming a basketball player, moving from AAU teams to her school's league. She had planned on attending college at UCONN where she likely would have been playing alongside player Paige Buecker. In my own opinion, I feel that Gianna could have made it all the way to the big leagues and made the WNBA draft, whether it would be for 2024 or any year beyond. Kobe’s passion for basketball spread throughout his family and he inspires so many younger kids and has made a huge impact on a lot of …show more content…
Angel’s college team, LSU played against Caitlin’s college team (Iowa) during March Madness where they both made it to the “Elite 8”. These games were heated and people like Angel received so much backlash after the game due to her teasing last year, in the 2023 NCAA championships where she beat Iowa. She got fouled out during the last quarter of the game and sat back, but continued cheering for her teammates. Caitlin was careful the whole game because her team was definitely reliant upon her and she even stated in an interview after the game that she “doesn’t get nervous” and that she feels the pressure but it just motivates her to continue doing what she’s doing. Both Reese and Clark are extremely talented players and we’re hoping to see them play against each other in the future. In conclusion, sports icons are very often looked up to by younger generations and they inspire so many people. It’s a good thing that the WNBA is growing their viewers with players like Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark because they are going to expand their audiences