UConn and the Kobe Bryant family have had a special connection ever since Bryant’s daughter Gianna decided she was, in Kobe’s words, “hellbent on going to UConn.”
The family developed a relationship with the program and head coach Geno Auriemma, and Kobe and Gianna famously sat in the stands at Gampel Pavilion during a UConn women’s basketball win over Houston in 2019. After UConn’s Final Four loss in 2017, a young Gianna wrote a letter to the Huskies, saying: “I’m so sorry you lost, but it gives you extra time to practice and get better for the next one! Just think… When you think you can’t, UConn!”
Gigi wrote this to the team after the Final Four loss in 2017. We remember her positive, shining energy.
She loved being around the Huskies, and we loved being around her.
We miss her. She’s forever one of us. 🤍 pic.twitter.com/CUaPmXWDuD
— UConn Women’s Basketball (@UConnWBB) January 26, 2021
That quote is now on UConn women’s basketball’s Twitter bio.
So it comes as no surprise that UConn is one of six schools who will honor Kobe and Gianna’s memory by wearing their signature Nike sneakers next season. Vanessa Bryant, Kobe’s widow, announced the news in an Instagram post. The Huskies will join USC, Kentucky, Oregon, Duke and LSU, all of which have sponsorship deals with Nike, in wearing the sneakers.
“We are grateful for the amazing support of these prestigious universities (in no particular order) towards the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation – to further the legacies of Kobe and Gigi!” Bryant wrote. “So excited to see their players wearing Kobe and Gigi’s NIKE shoes this upcoming season!!!”
OFFICIAL: The following @NikeBasketball schools will partner with the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation this NCAA season:
“We are grateful for the amazing support of these prestigious universities…to further the legacies of Kobe and Gigi!” says Vanessa Bryant. “So excited to… pic.twitter.com/Gu91zq5jlZ
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) September 5, 2023
The UConn men’s program confirmed it would be wearing the sneakers on Thursday, tweeting: “We are grateful for the opportunity to continue the legacy of both Kobe and Gigi Bryant by partnering with the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation.”
We are grateful for the opportunity to continue the legacy of both Kobe and Gigi Bryant by partnering with the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation. pic.twitter.com/fQ00dJ04kM
— UConn Men’s Basketball (@UConnMBB) September 7, 2023
The Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation was created in Kobe and Gianna’s honor and according to its website is dedicated to “creating positive impact for underserved athletes and boys and girls in sports.” Kobe, 41, and Gianna, 13, died in a helicopter crash in January 2020.
UConn has held tributes to the two since their tragic death. Auriemma wore Bryant’s No. 24 Lakers jersey during a game against Oregon in February 2020, and spoke at their memorial service at the Staples Center.
Mike Anthony: Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna had a special bond with Geno Auriemma and UConn women’s basketball