Filipinos join the world in mourning NBA legend Kobe Bryant's death

Basketball-crazy and even non- basketball Filipino fans mourned the tragic loss of NBA legend Kobe Bryant after the helicopter crashed and burst into flames in foggy conditions in suburban Los Angeles on the morning of January 26.

According to US reports, Bryant and his 13-year-old Gianna were on their way to a basketball training facility when their helicopter crashed into a hillside in Calabasa, California on Sunday.

The tragic news sparked an outpouring of tributes throughout the world. Mentioning his name “Kobe” would automatically translates to basketball in the Philippines.

The 41-year-old basketball legend was one of the most-beloved sports superstars by Filipinos after he visited the country seven times. 

Bryant, an 18-time NBA All-Star, first flew in Manila in 1998, two years after he debuted in the NBA as an 18-year-old straight out of high school.  

He last visited Philippines in 2016, months after he retired from the NBA.

In a statement, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas led by chairman emeritus Manny V. Pangilinan and president Al Panlilio called Bryant as "one of basketball's titans and one its great ambassadors."

"The basketball world just lost one of its greatest sons. We send extend our deepest condolences to his family. Kobe was greatness personified. From the way he carried himself to the work he puts into his game- committedly doing it with passion and with style," the organization said. 

The Office of the President also spoke about the death of the basketball superstar. 

"Mr. Bryant was a frequent visitor  in the Philippines. He was well-loved by his Filipino fans," Malacanang said in statement.

"On the hard court, he was a sight to behold with his dexterity and accuracy in sinking that ball in the ring. He was a master of his craft. The basketball world has lost  one of its legendary greats," it added.

Aside from Filipino fans, fellow stars and celebrities throughout the world expressed grief and were also shocked over the tragic passing of the NBA legend.

“Kobe was a legend on the court and just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act,” Former US President Barack Obama said in a tweet.

Hall-of-Fame NBA star Scottie Pippen also mourned the death of the basketball legend.

“I’m stunned,”Words can’t even come close to describing it. Just and incredibly sad and tragic day.”

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver paid tribute to the basketball legend and issued an official statement.

“He was one of the most extraordinary players in the history of our game,” Silver said.

Six-time NBA champion Michael Jordan mourned the death of Bryant and described him as "a little brother".

"Words can't describe the pain I'm feeling. I loved Kobe- he was like a little brother to me. We used to talk often and I will miss those conversations very much. Kobe was also an amazing dad who loved his family deeply-and took great pride in his daughter's love for the game of basketball," Jordan said.

Photo is from Star-divide