THE Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) will do its own share to honor the late NBA great Kobe Bryant when it kicks off its 45th season on March 1 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Commissioner Willie Marcial disclosed the league is going to pay homage 41-year-old Los Angeles Lakers superstar as part of the program on opening night.
The tribute is the league's own way of thanking and remembering one of the greatest players in the history of basketball, who had been a frequent visitor to the country during his prime.
The PBA Board during its recent annual planning session in Milan, Italy, decided to insert the small tribute to Bryant during the league opener.
"The PBA Board in silence prayed for him and decided to give him a tribute (on March 1)," said chairman Ricky Vargas, who presided over the board meeting.
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"He's (Bryant) been part of us. And he has touched each one of us by his own inspiration in playing the game."
Bryant, along with 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others, died in a tragic helicopter crash last week in Los Angeles while on their way to the Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks for a basketball game.
Worldwide outpouring of love and grief were immediately extended to the late basketball great and her daughter, while spate of support was extended to her wife Vanessa and the rest of the Bryant family.
Bryant had been to the Philippines seven times and played alongside a selection of NBA stars against their PBA counterparts during the 2011 Smart Ultimate All-Star Weekend at the Big Dome.
The tribute to Bryant is one of the highlights of the league's opener, which will also feature the annual Leo Awards and the lone opening game pitting five-time Philippine Cup defending champion San Miguel against Magnolia. (RG) / Photo Credit : movieweb.com
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