As the basketball world continues to mourn the loss of Kobe Bryant, we remind players to carry on the Mamba Mentality.
The world knew Kobe Bryant by the basketball player we saw on the floor. Only his close family and friends truly knew him as a person. We saw how hard he worked, what he was able to achieve, and for the most part, what it took to get there. There are still countless unseen hours, not just that he put towards the game of basketball, but into his other passions, hobbies, and relationships.
For that reason it is not fair of us, the public, to pretend we knew everything about Kobe Bean Bryant. Media figures and players say ”He would want this,” or “he would have wanted that.” All we know is that he loved his family, loved his occupation, and gave us a hell of a spectacle on the court.
The loss of a family man is an indescribable blow. So, let’s just focus on what we can wrap our heads around: Kobe Bryant’s Mamba Mentality.
We knew Kobe primarily by what he was on the court - a true superstar. Bryant was as feared an opponent as anyone could ever imagine. His offensive repertoire made him a killer, a basketball assassin. He could rip your heart out and crush your dreams in so many ways that he earned the respect of nearly every hooper on the planet.
Since the NBA has been naming first or second-team all-defense, Kobe earned the nod 12 times (nine first-team), the most ever by a guard. So despite being an offensive juggernaut, he was able to still exert enough energy and focus on defense that he was deemed one of the league’s best defenders multiple years. Impressive resume, but what does it mean?
The Mamba Mentality
Kobe Bryant was nicknamed the Black Mamba. He could and would strike on offense or defense at any moment, and it was always deadly. Players special enough to go so hard on both ends of the floor are rare, but they all possess something in common - a term coined by Bryant himself: Mamba Mentality.
Players do not need Kobe-level skills to harness the Mamba Mentality because it is just that - a state of mind.
The focus of the Mamba Mentality isn’t attacking the opponent like Bryant made it seem. Instead, the focus is internal; promises to yourself to get every loose ball, the drive to play every defensive possession like it is meant to be played, the willingness to let the offense come to you, but also the readiness to take over a game if that is your role.
Mamba Mentality will look different depending on your role. Kobe was asked to shoulder the load on offense and be a defensive stopper. For some players, it may be focusing on snatching every rebound or making sure teammates are involved. Players on the bench, coaches, anyone… the Mamba Mentality can be applied no matter what.
Perhaps the best way we can remember Kobe Bryant the basketball player is to all try our best to approach life with the Mamba Mentality. Fiercely protect family and friends, keep your foot on the gas while you chase dreams, and give your all in everything you do.
Enjoy the processes - even the little moments and the tough times. Keep loved ones close and let them know how much they mean to you. Bryant and the other individuals we lost were taken from the world too soon, but we can make their loss count for something big. Embody the Mamba Mentality and you will be surprised by the doors that open for you. Reach out to us if that means getting in the gym. Reach out even if it doesn’t and we will be a shoulder for you.
RIP Kobe Bryant - thank you for everything.