AUSTIN, Texas — You don't have to be a basketball fan to know the name Kobe Bryant. The NBA legend reached people around the world, both on and off the court.
Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, were among nine victims in a Southern California helicopter crash Sunday afternoon. The news of his death sent shockwaves across the globe – including in Austin.
Since the news broke, celebrities, public figures and others have been sharing their memories, condolences and heartbreak on social media. Many have talked about the legacy Bryant leaves behind.
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But what about in Austin? KVUE went to Vic Mathias Shores on Monday to ask Austinites what Bryant's legacy is to them. People also shared how they even knew who Bryant was.
"We both grew up watching Kobe Bryant play," Luke Gaie said.
"I haven't known a world without Kobe Bryant," Kyle Chitwood said. "Such an iconic figure."
Some reflected on his love for basketball and what he did for the sport.
"He was a big proponent and supporter of women's athletics," Marion Martin said. "Especially women's basketball."
"He was the biggest overachiever I think any of us ever saw," Martin Martinez said. “I’m a Spurs fan so he gave us a lot of grief over the years, but you still had to admire how competitive he was."
Others reflected on Bryant's life off the court.
Gaie and Megan Buhr both said he was a family man and a good father.
"People will still remember him even though he's gone," Buhr said.
"Positive role model for a lot of young kids," Eric Rojas said.
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Some Austinites talked about certain Bryant-related references they've known for years.
"Even like, relating him to throwing the balls into the bucket, we'd be like, 'Kobe!'" Emily Hernandez said.
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