Gigi Bryant, Peyton Chester, and Alyssa Altobelli Named Honorary Draftees at Tonight’s WNBA Draft
On April 17, the Women’s National Basketball Association honored three of the victims of the helicopter crash that took place in Calabasas, California on January 26 that also took the life of NBA legend, Kobe Bryant.
As reports have stated, the helicopter was on its way to a youth basketball game in which Kobe was scheduled to coach and his 14-year-old daughter, Gigi Bryant, and her teammates, Peyton Chester and Alyssa Altobelli, were scheduled to play in.
All nine of the people aboard the helicopter passed away. Knowing their love for the game of basketball and their drive to be the best, Bryant, Chester, and Altobelli were declared the first three honorary draft picks of the 2020 WNBA Draft.
During their moment, members of each of their respective families sent in a message of thanks, include Gigi’s mom and Kobe’s wife, Vanessa Bryant.
“Thank you so much for honoring my Gigi and selecting her to be an honorary draft pick this year,” Vanessa said. “It would have been a dream come true for her. She worked tirelessly every single day.”
“She wanted to be one of the greatest athletes of all time just like her daddy. So thank you, thank you for honoring my little girl. Kobe and Gigi loved the WNBA. Thank you. I want to congratulate all of this years draft picks. So congratulations. Work hard. Never settle. Use that Mamba mentality.”
As Kobe documented on his Instagram, Gigi had a dream of attending and playing for the UConn Huskies and one day becoming a better playing than her father.
Ultimately, Oregon’s Sabrina Ionescu, a personal friend of Kobe’s and his family, was picked number one overall by the New York Liberty.
Sara Vallone has been a writer and editor for the last four and a half years. A graduate of Ohio University, she enjoys celebrity news, sports, and articles that enhance people's lives.
What to Read Next...
At The Buzzer, or ATB is the place for those who love sports, life, family, community, and so much more. We are far from the run-of-the-mill 24/7 sports news websites. We not only bring you what’s happening in the world of sports in terms of trades and breaking news, but we also bring you the news that goes on behind the scenes, like big life moments, and so much more. So take a minute and read one of our articles, we promise you won't regret it.
Pingback: Sports World Celebrates Gianna 'Gigi' Bryant's 14th Birthday
Pingback: Natalia Bryant Honors Coach Altobelli with Birthday Wishes