Tonight the 2020 WNBA Draft will be going down on ESPN, and as you may know, the special event will take place virtually due to the current pandemic that we are facing. Nonetheless, it looks like a special tribute will still take place in honor of three special rising stars in women’s basketball.
On Friday, Vanessa Bryant took to social media to announce that her late daughter, Gianna Bryant, and her teammates Alyssa Altobelli and Peyton Chester will be honorary draft picks at this year’s draft. According to USA Today, the WNBA also plans to honor Kobe, who was also passionate about the league.
The WNBA Draft was scheduled to take place in person in New York City, but last month it was determined that the WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert will now announce the draft picks live from a remote location with the first-round picks slated to join the telecast via remote set-ups.
As you all know, Gianna, Alyssa, and Payton were among the victims that unfortunately lost their lives in the Calabasas Helicopter Crash, which also claimed the lives of six others, including legendary basketball player Kobe Bryant.
Gianna was the 13-year-old daughter of Kobe and his wife Vanessa, and he played a very active role in her basketball career, as well as her teammates. On the day of the crash, they were all heading to a basketball game at Kobe’s Mamba Sports Academy, where Kobe was scheduled to coach a game for Gianna’s team.
Since the crash, there have been a number of tributes for all of the victims of the crash. Back in February, there was a huge memorial held at the Staples Center in honor of Kobe and Gianna.
Last month Vanessa and Natalia (Kobe & Vanessa’s eldest daughter) spoke about how special it is that Kobe will be a part of the 2020 Basketball Hall of Fame. Vanessa said, “It’s an incredible accomplishment and honor, and we’re extremely proud of him. Every accomplishment that he had as an athlete was a steppingstone to be here. Obviously we wish that he was here with us to celebrate. We’re incredibly proud of him. And there’s some solace in knowing that he was probably going to be a part of the 2020 Hall of Fame class.”
We continue to keep the victims’ loved ones lifted in prayer.
TSR STAFF: Jade Ashley @Jade_Ashley94
