Their Mambacita spirit lives on 💜💛
Gigi Bryant had dreams of playing in the WNBA and the athletic potential to back them up, according to pros. Now, the league she dreamt of playing for is honoring her and her fellow Mamba players with a touching tribute.
Gigi and her teammates Alyssa Altobelli and Payton Chester were named honorary WNBA draft picks when the league's draft kicked off Friday night. WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert called the three players"rising basketball stars," saying,"These athletes represented the future of the WNBA . . . They represented the next generation of stars in our league, maybe what might have been called the 'Mambacita' generation.
"[Payton] exemplified the Mamba mentality and was a fierce competitor," said Chester's father, in a tribute following the commissioner's announcement."We will always have fond memories of her sinking a three or a big steal and turning back on defense with that beautiful smile."Altobelli"loved the game of basketball," her brother said."She worked extremely hard at her craft. There's no doubt in our mind that she would've made it to the WNBA.
Vanessa Bryant appeared last, thanking the WNBA in an emotional statement."[Gigi] wanted to be one of the greatest athletes of all time, just like her daddy," she said."Thank you for honoring my little girl." "Kobe and Gigi loved the WNBA," Vanessa continued; she said she was wearing Kobe's WNBA sweatshirt in his honor."I want to congratulate this year's draft picks . . . work hard, never settle. Use that Mamba mentality."
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