Many basketball fans have spent the past two days in constant, unshakable shock. Some have been moved to tears, others to the basketball court. No matter how you slice it, millions around the country and around the globe have honored, grieved, and paid respects to Kobe Bryant.
I’m a youngster, so Kobe’s sudden death hit me in a particular way. Other all-time greats have passed, all of which spark some feeling of sadness. But Kobe Bryant is someone I grew up watching. I spent my elementary and middle school years yelling ‘Kobe’ when I shot paper into trashcans — it’s not a tired cliche, but a generational phenomenon.