By Agence France-Presse

Michael Jordan mourned the death of Kobe Bryant on Sunday, saying the Los Angeles Lakers icon was “like a little brother” to him.

In this file photo taken on September 13, 2019 former basketball player Kobe Bryant of the US waves at the crowd during the Basketball World Cup semi-final game between Australia and Spain in Beijing. (Photo by Greg BAKER / AFP/FILE/ MANILA BULLETIN)

Six-time NBA champion Jordan said in a statement Bryant would be remembered as one of basketball’s greatest players.

Bryant, 41, and his daughter Gianna died on Sunday along with seven other people when the helicopter they were travelling in crashed into a rugged hillside in suburban Los Angeles.

“I am in shock over the tragic news of Kobe’s and Gianna’s passing,” said Jordan, regarded by many as the greatest basketball player in history.

“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.

“He was a fierce competitor, one of the greats of the game and a creative force. 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.”

Bryant’s death sparked an outpouring of tributes across basketball and throughout the world.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Agence France-Presse

Hundreds of fans gathered Sunday near the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles following the death of NBA superstar Kobe Bryant in a helicopter crash that stunned the sports world and beyond.

People gather around a makeshift memorial for former NBA and Los Angeles Lakers player Kobe Bryant after learning of his death at LA Live Plaza in front of the Staples Center in Los Angeles (AFP/ MANILA BULLETIN)

“This dude is everything to me man, it makes no sense,” said Bobby Jimenez, sobbing as he stood outside the venue where Bryant wowed fans for two decades.

Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others perished early Sunday in the crash on a hillside in the town of Calabasas, northwest of downtown Los Angeles.

Jimenez said Bryant had been a role model for him growing up, and he had flown all around the country to see him play.

“Every parade, I was here. His last game, I was here,” he said. “That’s my guy.”

Several fans carried placards with images of the Los Angeles Lakers legend and signs that said, “RIP, love you Kobe #24.”

Others chanted “Let’s go Kobe.”

A giant electronic billboard at the LA Live Plaza near the Staples Center also had a picture of the basketball great with a message that read: “In Loving Memory Of Kobe Bryant 1978-2020.

One fan placed a wreath outside the Center, which was cordoned off by police because of the Grammys ceremony taking place later Sunday.

He said he heard about the news while driving in Hollywood and headed to a flower shop to purchase a bouquet to honor his idol.

“We grew up watching him play,” said Sam Krautonog, 19, who wore a Lakers jersey. “My grandpa is 82 and he cried when he heard the news.

Luca Gardio, also 19, said his family was devastated upon hearing the news.

“Kobe goes beyond basketball,” Gardio said, adding that he had been lucky enough to attend Bryant’s last game.

Gennesys Cabral, a Lakers fans, said Bryant’s death was even more painful than losing a family member.

“I’ve lost family members, and I know it sounds messed up but it didn’t hurt this bad,” he told AFP. “Losing Kobe is really, really close to losing a family member because he was a LA legend.

“He made you believe things that were impossible, that would be possible, that could be done.”

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti also paid tribute to the basketball legend, saying in a tweet that he “will be remembered through the ages as one of our greatest heroes.

“Kobe Bryant was a giant who inspired, amazed, and thrilled people everywhere with his incomparable skill on the court — and awed us with his intellect and humility as a father, husband, creative genius, and ambassador for the game he loved,” Garcetti added.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Reuters

(Reuters) – Kobe Bryant, widely considered one of the greatest players in basketball, was killed in a helicopter crash in Southern California on Sunday. He was 41.

REUTERS/ FILE PHOTO/ MANILA BULLETIN

A transcendent star who went straight from high school to the game’s biggest stage, Bryant won five NBA championship rings with the Los Angeles Lakers and was the face of the franchise during his 20-year career.

Bryant, a small forward and shooting guard, averaged 25 points during his career and twice led the NBA in scoring.

He was an 18-times NBA All-Star who wore the jersey numbers 24 and 8 – both of which were retired by the Lakers – and continued the ‘Showtime’ tradition of the storied franchise that has been home to the likes of Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Shaquille O’Neal.

The fourth-highest scorer in NBA history with 33,643 points, Bryant only gave up the third spot on the list on Saturday night to LeBron James.

On Saturday, Bryant used Twitter to extend his congratulations to James: “Much respect my brother,” he tweeted.

A few hours later, Bryant perished in the crash. He is survived by wife Vanessa, with whom he had four daughters.

Born in Philadelphia, Bryant was only 17 when he was taken as the 13th overall draft pick by the Charlotte Hornets in the 1996 NBA draft.

But he never played for the Hornets and immediately traded to the Lakers, where he played his entire career before retiring in 2016.

In 2008, he was named the NBA Most Valuable Player.

Internationally, he won two Olympic gold medals, part of the United States team in 2008 and 2012.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By the Associated Press

Green Bay’s Za’Darius Smith, Tampa Bay’s Shaq Barrett and Detroit’s Darius Slay got together following a second-quarter sack and faked fadeaway jumpers in an homage to Bryant. Smith and several NFC teammates did it again following a fumble early in the third.

Kobe Bryant in 2008 (AFP FILE PHOTO/ MANILA BULLETIN)

Green Bay receiver Davonte Adams pointed to the sky and flashed the No. 24 on his fingers as an ode to Bryant’s jersey after a touchdown catch in the third.

Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson led a prayer with teammates before the game in the locker room.

The NFL’s annual all-star game also held a moment of silence for Bryant at the 2-minute warning in the first half, showing the retired NBA star’s picture on the scoreboards while announcing his death at age 41.

Several players removed their helmets during the break. Others took a knee and seemed to pray. Fans broke the silence by chanting “Ko-be! Ko-be!”

Players checked cellphones for updates before and during the game, all of them looking for information and answers.

Bryant died in a helicopter crash early Sunday near Calabasas, California, and the news put a damper on the NFL event held on the other side of the country.

The AFC ended up beating the NFC 38-33 for a fourth consecutive victory in Orlando. The latest one might have been the last near Walt Disney World. The NFL is considering moving the game around, with new, multi-billion-dollar stadiums in Las Vegas and Los Angeles being viable options.

The play of the day was Pittsburgh linebacker T.J. Watt’s 82-yard fumble return in the fourth. Jacksonville defensive lineman Calais Campbell beat Dallas’ Travis Frederick and sacked Kirk Cousins on a fourth-and-goal play from the 9. Campbell stripped the ball, which Watt scooped up and went untouched the other way to put the AFC ahead 38-27.

The NFC had a chance to rally late and tried to take advantage of a new rule that allows the scoring team to retain possession by facing a fourth-and-15 play from its own 25-yard line. Cousins threw a deep ball that Baltimore safety Earl Thomas intercepted.

Campbell was named the AFC’s defensive player of the game. Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson was the offensive MVP.

AFC players earned $70,000 for winning the game. NFC players got $35,000 each.

Jackson threw for 185 yards and two touchdowns. He also threw an interception. Houston’s Deshaun Watson threw for 148 yards, with a touchdown and a pick.

Tennessee’s Ryan Tannehill hooked up with Jacksonville’s DJ Chark for a 60-yard score in which officials opted not to rule him down after two defenders touched him.

Wilson gave his NFC starting spot to New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees, who is contemplating retirement. Brees said this week he will take some time before deciding on his future.

Cousins, Brees and Wilson threw TD passes for the NFC, which also allowed Ezekiel Elliott and Adams to attempt throws. Elliott’s was picked off. Adams added two TD receptions.

The NFC’s top highlight was Philadelphia defensive tackle Fletcher Cox rumbling 61 yards for a score. Minnesota’s Harrison Smith intercepted a pass from Watson at the 3-yard line and returned it to the 39 before lateraling to Cox, who took it the rest of the while.

No one tried to tackle the 310-pound Cox. Denver receiver Courtland Sutton slapped at the ball for the final 20 yards.

Source: Manila Bulletin

FILE – In this March 28, 2016, file photo, Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) waves as he walks off the court during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Salt Lake City. Bryant, the 18-time NBA All-Star who won five championships and became one of the greatest basketball players of his generation during a 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers, died in a helicopter crash Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

By Agence France-Presse

How people on Twitter and Instagram reacted to the death of NBA superstar Kobe Bryant on Sunday:

“Jeannine & I are absolutely shocked to hear of the loss of one of my favorite people & one of the best basketball minds in the history of the game! Our hearts & prayers to Vanessa & his girls. @kobebryant you were my biggest fan, but I was yours”

— Bill Russell, five-time NBA Most Valuable Player, 11-time NBA champion with the Boston Celtics

“Most people will remember Kobe as the magnificent athlete who inspired a whole generation of basketball players. But I will always remember him as a man who was much more than an athlete.”

— Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, six-time NBA champion and league’s all-time scoring leader

“Nooooooooooo God please No!”

— Three-time NBA champion Dwyane Wade

“That is terrible news!”

— US President Donald Trump

“Just devastated to hear about #KobeBryant. An extraordinary athlete, and a genuinely kind, wonderful man. Sending love, prayers & compassion to his family. To his entire @NBA family as well.”

— Oscar winning actress Reese Witherspoon

“Heart going out to the Bryant family right now. RIP Kobe Bryant.”

— US women’s footballer and World Cup winner Megan Rapinoe

“Like everyone, I’m stunned and saddened to hear the horrific news about Kobe Bryant. Thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this terribly sad time #RIPKobeBryant.”

— Australian cricket legend Shane Warne

“@kobebryant Gone much too soon, how devastating to hear of his passing, he gave joy to so many for so long – deep condolences to his family, his friends, his Laker family. RIP Kobe… #lifeistooshort.”

— Tennis great Martina Navratilova

“Heartbreaking news! Hard to fathom @kobebryant is gone. Just had their 4th child. 41 years old. #insane. RIP Kobe.”

— Former US tennis star Tracy Austin

“We miss you already Kobe.”

— NFL Super Bowl winner Tom Brady

“I truly can’t believe this. My heart is so heavy. Rest In Peace Kobe. What an unimaginable loss. All of my prayers to your loved ones.”

— Former US Open tennis champion Sloane Stephens

“Kobe Bryant you’re an angel. RIP to you legend. So kind and had time for everyone. The epitome of class and hard work. An Idol. Prayers to his family.”

— US footballer Jozy Altidore

“On behalf of myself, the players and staff at AS Roma, we join the rest of the sporting world in mourning the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant. Kobe was a true icon and our thoughts are now with his family and the families of all of the victims aboard that flight.”

— Jim Pallotta, the owner of Italian football giants AS Roma

“Shock right now. RIP KOBE.”

— World golf number one Brooks Koepka

“The moment you realise life ain’t something to fuck with! If you feel something tell that person! If you miss someone tell that person.. you never know when your time is up!”

— Australian rugby union international Quade Cooper

“I just found out 5 minutes ago and I still can’t believe it… Another example of how fragile life is, let’s enjoy it while we can. (And avoid helicopters until they are safer). DEP Kobe and the other 5 victims.”

— Spain’s former world motorcycling champion Jorge Lorenzo

“LA has lost one of our true superstars. Stunning to hear about the tragic and untimely death of #KobeBryant My heart goes out to his family and all the fans who will feel this loss so deeply.”

— Hollywood actress Tara Buck

“Kobe Bryant was a giant who inspired, amazed, and thrilled people everywhere with his incomparable skill on the court — and awed us with his intellect and humility as a father, husband, creative genius, and ambassador for the game he loved.

“Kobe will live forever in the heart of Los Angeles, and will be remembered through the ages as one of our greatest heroes.”

— Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti

“Speechless and shocked!! REST IN HEAVEN MAMBA.”

— German football international Kevin-Prince Boateng

“My biggest sports idol is this man right here. Your work ethic and mentality inspired me so much from as soon i understood what it took to become a pro. You were enjoying your new chapter in your life and to leave us just like that is devastating.. i love you so much! You the goat”

— Inter Milan’s Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku on Instagram, with a photo of Bryant

“It can’t be. You always encouraged me mamba. Gave me some of the best quotes that we smile about to this day.! Love you man!”

— Pop superstar Justin Bieber on Instagram

“I’m heartbroken by this news, you were a true legend, and friend. Rest In Peace @kobebryant, my thoughts and prayers to his wife and kids.”

— French NBA great Tony Parker

“Rest in peace Kobe. One of the best sportsmen/athletes that has ever lived. My heart goes out to his family and to all involved in this terrible accident”

— Former Formula One world champion Jenson Button

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Agence France-Presse

The NBA grappled with the sudden death of league great Kobe Bryant on Sunday, players taking to courts across the country before they even had time to properly absorb the news.

FILE – In this Jan. 4, 2015 file photo Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant dunks during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Indiana Pacers in Los Angeles. Bryant, a five-time NBA champion and a two-time Olympic gold medalist, died in a helicopter crash in California on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020. He was 41. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

A haunting moment of silence preceded the Houston Rockets’ game against the Nuggets in Denver, which tipped off just hours after the helicopter crash in suburban Los Angeles in which Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna were among five who perished.

In San Antonio, where the Spurs hosted the reigning champion Toronto Raptors, both teams took 24-second shot-clock violations on their first possessions of the game in honor of Bryant — who wore the number 24 in the later years of his career.

Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers fought back tears as he spoke to reporters before his team took on the Magic in Orlando.

“We’re all Lakers right now,” Rivers said, calling himself “lucky” to have had a chance to coach against Bryant — who won five NBA titles with the Los Angeles Lakers.

“He was such a great opponent,” Rivers said. “It’s what you want in sports. He had that DNA that very few athletes can ever have — the Tiger Woodses and Michael Jordans.

“Looking at my young players and seeing how devastated they are — they knew him — this is just shocking news for us. I have to go talk to a team before a game and tell them to go play — and I can’t,” Rivers said as he lost his battle to hold back his tears.

“This is a great loss for the league. I thought he had so much more left to do and he was starting to do it. I had never seen him happier.”

Eight NBA games were scheduled on Sunday, and the prevailing mood in every arena was shock.

“I don’t know where you could even start,” said New Orleans Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry before his team’s game against the Boston Celtics.

“Great competitor, great guy, great father. Just really a sad, sad day for the NBA.

“He was all about winning championships. The individual accolades and the numbers didn’t mean anything to him if you didn’t win championships. That’s just the competitiveness that he had that’s what I’ll always remember.

“He competed at such a high, high level every night he was out there.

“It’s a huge loss for anybody that’s been involved in this league at all.”

Source: Manila Bulletin

In this file photo taken on September 13, 2019 former basketball player Kobe Bryant of the US waves at the crowd during the Basketball World Cup semi-final game between Australia and Spain in Beijing. (Photo by Greg BAKER / AFP)

Basketball great Kobe Bryant, 41, and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna Maria, died Sunday morning in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, wire reports said.

According to CNN, five people were killed in the crash on a hillside in Calabasas, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said. There were no survivors, the Los Angeles County Fire Department said. The sheriff’s department received reports of the downed aircraft just after 1 p.m. ET (10 a.m PT), officials said in a tweet.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA

Alex Eala (File Photo courtesy of Akira Watanabe)

Philippines’ top junior netter Alex Eala made her title campaign felt at the 2020 Australian Open Juniors Championships with an opening round victory on Sunday.

The 14-year-old Eala, seeded fourth in the Grand Slam event, survived Shavit Kimchi of Israel 6-0, 4-6, 6-2, to march into the second round.

She will be next facing France’s Julie Belgraver, a 1-6, 6-4, 6-3 winner over wildcard bet Mia Repac of Australia.

Eala will also see action in the girls doubles with Indonesian Priska Madelyn Mugroho, where they will be clashing with Russia’s Elina Avanesyan and Ukraine’s Liubov Kostenko in the opening round on Monday.

Eala is currently ranked No. 9 in the International Tennis Federation junior rankings – her highest feat so far – but she has never made it past the second round of a Grand Slam event.

She finished in the second round at last year’s US Open.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA

Cholo Anonuevo finished with six points, 11 rebounds, seven assists and five steals for FEU in its UAAP boys basketball match against UPIS on Sunday. (UAAP Images)

Defending champion National University-Nazareth School and Far Eastern University-Diliman clobbered their rivals to clinch the twice-to-beat semifinal incentives on Sunday in UAAP boys basketball at The Arena in San Juan City.

Reyland Torres erupted for a double-double performance of 17 points and 10 rebounds as the Bullpups blasted the University of the East Junior Warriors 124-60, while Anfernee Estacio and Aeron Bagunu merged for 33 points as the Baby Tamaraws ripped the University of the Philippines Integrated School 115-66.

NU-Nazareth stretched its winning streak to 11 games to remain at the helm while FEU hiked its tally to 10-1 at second.

Carl Tamayo also sizzled with 17 points and eight boards for the Bullpups, Terrence Fortea had 13 points and six assists, and Karl Quiambao finished with 10 points, nine rebounds, five assists and two steals.

NU was ruthless throughout with a 38-13 first-quarter assault and led by as many as 65 points.

Cyrus Austria and Jann Cruz combined for 33 points and nine boards in a futile attempt for the Junior Warriors, who dropped to their eighth defeat against three wins.

Meanwhile, three other players scored in double figures for FEU with Patrick Sleat and Jorick Bautista finishing with 12 points, and Vincent Saldua contributing 11 points.

UPIS skidded to its 11^th consecutive defeat.

In other games, Francis Lopez drained 23 points and hauled 12 rebounds as Ateneo bested University of Santo Tomas 79-74, while Ruzzell Dominguez and John Figueroa finished with a double-double effort to combine for 27 points, 31 rebounds and 11 assists in lifting Adamson past De La Salle Zobel 89-81.

The victory improved the Blue Eaglets to 6-5 and tied with the Tiger Cubs at third, though Ateneo has the better quotient by virtue of winning their two elimination round meetings against UST.

Adamson, meanwhile, jumped to 5-6 while La Salle-Zobel slipped to 3-8.

Source: Manila Bulletin

Regine Arocha of Arellano University tries to connect against the defense of San Sebastian College during their NCAA Season 95 volleyball game Saturday at The Arena in San Juan. (NCAA Images)

By WAYLON GALVEZ

Games Monday (The Arena, San Juan)

8:30 a.m. – Arellano vs San Beda (Junior’s)

10 a.m. – Arellano vs San Beda (Men’s)

12 noon – Arellano vs San Beda (Women’s)

2 p.m. – JRU vs Perpetual Help (Women’s)

3:30 p.m. – JRU vs Perpetual Help (Men’s)

5 p.m. – JRU vs Perpetual Help (Junior’s)

Defending champion Arellano University stretched its unbeaten win streak to four as it downed San Sebastian 25-17, 25-18, 25-27, 25-13 in NCAA Season 95 volleyball Saturday at The Arena in San Juan.

After winning its first three games all in straight sets, the Lady Chiefs saw that streak end when the Lady Stags came back from a 22-17 hole in the third frame to extend the match.

However, there was no denying Arellano – aiming for its fourth consecutive championship – as it regrouped with a dominant fourth set to get the crucial win.

The Lady Chiefs are back on top of the standings tied for the lead with the College of St. Benilde Lady Blazers with similar 4-0 cards.

Arellano coach Obet Javier said it was an issue of playing with consistency why they dropped the third set, which he said they have to correct.

“Actually, nag-relax ang mga player. Kaya nakakatakot. Hindi dapat ganoon ang isang team. Consistent kami dapat, and huwag mag-relax,” said Javier.

Regine Arocha, a graduating player, led the Lady Chiefs with 24 points, 11 digs and nine receptions, while reigning MVP Necole Ebuen contributed 10 points and 11 digs – her best game so far this season.

Jamille Carreon had 13 points, while Reyann Cañete added 12 markers for the Lady Stags, who are still winless in four matches.

Meanwhile, Christian dela Paz had 29 points and six digs to lead Arellano in a tough 25-23, 16-25, 25-27, 25-19, 16-14 win over San Sebastian to tie men’s titleholder Perpetual Help for the lead at 4-0.

On the other hand, Angelo Lagando came through with 13 points as the Braves needed only 62 minutes to repulse the Staglets 25-19, 25-13, 25-15 to join the Junior Altas on top with their fourth straight victory in as many games.

Source: Manila Bulletin