Mamba Mentality

"I could never understand why winning wasn't the most important thing to everyone. Why are you here, then?" -Kobe

I can't add much to the reams of tributes that have poured out over the past 24 hours following the news of Kobe Bryant's (and his daughter’s) tragic helicopter crash (ESPN, Players Reactions, 24 Sec Tribute, Dear Kobe). Perhaps a crypto newsletter isn’t the place for another post on the life of Kobe, anyway.

But his death feels worthy of personal reflection.

Not only was basketball a central part of my daily life from the late 90s through college graduation, but Kobe was the paragon of a champion for me and most players of my generation. He was a relentless competitor in arguably the world’s most physically demanding sport for 20 years. And he seemed to be following up a Hall of Fame basketball career with an equally impressive second act, winning an Oscar just a couple years out of the league.

He always seemed to have more left in the tank.

In my lifetime, the only celebrity deaths that have even registered (if I’m being honest) are Princess Diana, Robin Williams, and now Kobe Bryant.

All were symbols as much as they were people: Princess Di had grace under pressure, Robin Williams had his frenetic humor.

Kobe had the "Mamba Mentality."

So even if you never picked up a basketball, it would be impossible as an entrepreneur or investor or trailblazing researcher not to admire and attempt to emulate Kobe's relentless, ruthless intensity and work ethic. It's the sort of excellence that transcends sports.

I'm sad.

-TBI

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