Keys to the game of life
January 28, 2020
The Black Mamba is a venomous, lethal, and fearless creature. Dusk or dawn the Mamba keeps his eyes on the prize, ready to attack. Cool, calm, and collected the Mamba tenaciously slithers his way into the lives of his prey. Three, the Mamba surveys the playing field. Two, the Mamba drives in. One, the Mamba takes his shot. Having finally captured its prey, the Mamba keeps his head up high, awaiting the next challenge with confidence, poise, and an insatiable drive, or as I like to call it, the Mamba Mentality.
Kobe Bean Bryant was an incarnation of the Black Mamba’s fearless values and traits. Night in and out, he was fueled by the Black Mamba’s competitive force. Win or lose, airball or swish, Kobe’s appetite to feast on all his prey grew stronger every day.
I had the absolute honor of witnessing greatness in watching number eight on the purple-and-gold play basketball. Year by year, I gained more respect and admiration for Kobe’s contributions, both on and off the court.
In times of discomfort and pain, Kobe was my escape from reality. Watching his highlights and how he kept his composure during pressuring, stressful, and tough moments taught me a whole lot about how to face adversity. Believe me, I’m the biggest sports guy out there, and Kobe somehow still managed to teach me more about the keys to the game of life than to the game of basketball.
Thus, it is only right for both I and the rest of his fans to honor his legacy. Sure, committing eight and 24-second violations at the beginning of NBA games, or even going as far as naming a street after him, may honor Kobe and what he did for the game of basketball.
However, I know Kobe far too well to understand that this is not what he would consider the greatest honor or reward. To his fans that are constantly seeking a way to return the favor, I can say without a doubt that now more than ever Kobe would want us to incorporate his very own mamba mentality into our lives. Whether that means pulling an all-nighter to ace a big test or performing some sort of outreach for a community in need. In Kobe’s eyes, this is what life’s all about, and so invite the challenges, focus on the journey, and embrace the grind. As it is only then when you can finally channel in your inner mamba.