The sports world is mourning the passing of the late basketball great, Kobe "Black Mamba" Bryant (41), who is credited for his efforts in boosting the popularity of Basketball around the world. The LA Lakers super star and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, were among nine people killed in a helicopter crash in California, on Sunday 26 January.

There is no shortage of social media tributes from athletes of all sporting backgrounds, including Tongan athletes who were lucky enough to be acquainted with Bryant. Among them was Tongan-Filipino basket baller Asi Taulava (46), who had the opportunity to play against Bryant, in an international friendly between the Philippines and an USA select team in 2015.

The Philippines defeated Bryant’s team on the eve of his retirement from the NBA. Asi stated following that game “It was a special moment, specially with one of the greats that is going to be walking away from the game. It hurts as a Lakers fan but we understand what he is going through. The way he carried the franchise to five championships and see all the bad criticism he’s getting. But he is smart, he knows it is his time to walk away. Things are not going well on the floor. It was just an honor to be on the floor against him. We had a picture after. As a Lakers die-hard, that is a special moment.”

Another die-hard Lakers fan, golf pro Tony Finau, expressed his shock at the news following his performance on the last day of the Farmer’s Insurance Open PGA event in San Diego, California.

“I’m still processing it. I’m a huge Kobe fan and Lakers fan”, Finau said in a PGA Tour interview.

“To have that happen to one of the greatest ever to play the game of basketball and just I think one of the greatest athletes in sports is so tragic. I’ll be mourning with the NBA and just anyone who knew him or was impacted by him. Very sad, sad day for sports and just people in general”,

“His legacy is one of hard work and commitment to your craft.”

New York Jets line backer Harvey Langi, shared a picture of himself with Bryant and reminisced on meeting him, saying “Thanks for all you’ve done for the game and for all of us who have a dream. Rest in love.”

Baltimore Raven’s offensive tackle, Ronnie Stanley stated on social media  “R.I.P to a legend and one of the greatest athletes and competitors to ever walk this earth. The world won’t be the same after to day. Watch over us Mamba.”