USC and UConn Basketball Teams Honour Kobe and Gigi Bryant with Special Shoes
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In a heartfelt tribute to basketball legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gigi Bryant, the USC and UConn women’s basketball teams recently came together to pay homage in a unique and touching way. The players on both teams donned different pairs of Kobe’s signature Nike sneakers during their game on Saturday, December 13th at the Galen Center in Los Angeles.
Gigi Bryant, who tragically passed away alongside her father in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020, had a strong connection to the UConn Huskies and aspired to play for the team. This bond was honoured by the players through their choice of footwear, showing their love and respect for the late basketball stars.
The significance of this gesture was not lost on fans and spectators, with many recognising the emotional depth of the tribute. Images shared by Ryan Kartje, the USC Trojans reporter for the Los Angeles Times, captured the poignant moment when the two teams lined up on the court, each player wearing a different pair of Kobe Bryant’s shoes.
The connection between Gigi Bryant and the UConn Huskies runs deep, with the team having previously paid tribute to her by displaying her No. 2 jersey on one of their bench seats shortly after the tragic accident. The gesture, along with a bouquet wrapped in the team’s colours, was a poignant reminder of the impact Gigi had on the basketball community.
Vanessa Bryant, Kobe’s wife and Gigi’s mother, has been a steadfast supporter of the UConn Huskies and their achievements. Following the team’s victory in the 2025 NCAA championship, Vanessa took to social media to express her joy and share a heartfelt message honouring her late daughter.
The bond between Gigi Bryant and the UConn team continues to be celebrated, with Vanessa Bryant’s words resonating with fans and followers alike. The enduring legacy of Kobe and Gigi Bryant lives on through the love and support of the basketball community, as demonstrated by the USC and UConn teams’ touching tribute.
As the basketball world pays tribute to the lasting impact of Kobe and Gigi Bryant, the gesture by the USC and UConn teams serves as a reminder of the profound influence the father-daughter duo had on the sport. Their legacy lives on in the hearts of fans, players, and supporters, ensuring that their memory will never be forgotten.
In a display of unity and respect, the USC and UConn women’s basketball teams came together to honour Kobe and Gigi Bryant in a poignant tribute that touched the hearts of many. Through their choice of footwear and their gestures of remembrance, the players honoured the legacy of the late basketball stars and celebrated the bond between Gigi Bryant and the UConn Huskies.