Jason Kidd Reflects on Kobe Bryant’s Inspiration Behind His Women’s Basketball Program
In 2020, a tragic helicopter accident claimed the lives of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven others, leaving a void in women’s sports and particularly in women’s basketball. Kobe Bryant had emerged as a prominent advocate for women’s sports, and his untimely passing was felt deeply in the sports community. Gianna, a rising star in the basketball world, was also taken away prematurely.
In response to this loss, Jason Kidd, a Hall of Fame guard and the current head coach of the Dallas Mavericks took it upon himself to contribute to the world of women’s sports. In 2021, at the age of 50, he launched the Jason Kidd Select program for women’s basketball, aiming to carry forward Kobe Bryant’s vision.
“We all witnessed Kobe Bryant’s dedication to women’s sports,” Kidd remarked. “When he and his daughter tragically passed away, it left a question: Who would carry on the torch?”
Kidd, with 19 seasons as an NBA player under his belt before retiring in 2013, felt a deep commitment to support women in sports.
“I wanted to do whatever I could to empower women in the realm of sports,” Kidd emphasized. “My goal is to help women achieve their aspirations, whether that’s excelling in basketball or using scholarships to pursue careers as doctors, lawyers, or politicians.”
Kidd further elaborated on the inspiration behind his program, highlighting Kobe Bryant’s dedication to the game and his daughter.
“Kobe was deeply involved with his daughter’s basketball journey and launched a program to support her and the sport,” Kidd stated. “I found that to be incredibly special, and all I aim to do is carry forward that mission.”
Today, it is heartwarming to see the enduring impact of both Kobe and Gianna Bryant on women’s basketball.
Jason Kidd’s program is driven by the goal of helping all its participants secure college scholarships. Since its inception in 2021, every member of the Jason Kidd Select team has earned Division I scholarships, with players finding homes in institutions such as Cal, Penn, Florida State, Texas Southern, Cornell, and Arizona State.
Kobe Bryant, known for his entire NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers, continued to build his legacy after retiring. On the court, he amassed 18 All-Star selections, five NBA championships, and an MVP award.
Meanwhile, Gianna Bryant, a gifted athlete identified at the young age of 13, was regarded as a rising star in her own right. Her father often spoke of her potential to follow in his footsteps in the basketball world.
Jason Kidd’s commendable efforts are sure to find widespread support among Lakers fans. Hopefully, his program will play a pivotal role in advancing women’s basketball, offering young athletes more opportunities than ever before.
Although Kobe Bryant and Jason Kidd were not teammates in the NBA, their shared commitment to empowering women in sports ensures that they are now on the same team, working together to shape the future of women’s basketball.
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