In Honor Of Kobe – Michigan Mambas

<p>Kobe Bryant was a legend. It’s that simple. He, his daughter and others passed tragically yesterday in a helicopter crash that has rocked the basketball community world wide. Kobe was a hero to many and an advocate for the game, especially at the youth level. </p> <p>In honor of Kobe Bryant and his #8, we will look at 8 Michigan high school players that in some way remind me of him. They are our very own "Michigan Mambas".</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/carlos-johnson/">[player_tooltip player_id="784992" first="Carlos" last="Johnson"]</a> (2020, SF, Benton Harbor)</strong></p> <p>Scooby walked into high school basketball as a star, much like Kobe entered the NBA in the same way. Both were so destined for greatness that they were known just by ’Kobe’ and ’Scooby’. Johnson, just like Kobe, fulfilled his potential and became a legend.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jalen-terry/">[player_tooltip player_id="784993" first="Jalen" last="Terry"]</a> (2020, PG, Flint Beecher)</strong></p> <p>Bryant was one of the most explosive athletes and basketball players to ever live. Well, ever watched <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jalen-terry/">[player_tooltip player_id="784993" first="Jalen" last="Terry"]</a> play? Terry attacks the game with that same relentlessness. He’s an aggressive and ferocious finisher in a similar mentality as Bryant. </p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/trey-townsend/">[player_tooltip player_id="789737" first="Trey" last="Townsend"]</a> (2020, SF, Oxford)</strong></p> <p>Kobe could get the ball on the wing and simply create scoring opportunities when there appeared to be none. Townsend can do the same. He’s fun to watch when he goes to work at the wing with the ball.  </p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/pierre-brooks/">[player_tooltip player_id="811091" first="Pierre" last="Brooks"]</a> Jr. (2021, SG, Detroit Frederick Douglass)</strong></p> <p>Bryant had one of the highest basketball IQ’s ever. He just knew the game. The exact same thing can be said about Brooks Jr. He plays the game 2 steps ahead of the competition. Brooks Jr. uses his knowledge and understanding of the game to exemplify his greatness. </p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/kobe-bufkin/">[player_tooltip player_id="611404" first="Kobe" last="Bufkin"]</a> (2021, CG, Grand Rapids Christian)</strong></p> <p>Obviously the name says enough, but there’s more. Kobe became great when the bright lights were off and he was putting in work. Bufkin has done the same and it’s shown with the rapid and continuous rise in his game.  </p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/emoni-bates/">[player_tooltip player_id="787606" first="Emoni" last="Bates"]</a> (2022, SF, Ypsilanti-Lincoln)</strong></p> <p>Kobe Bryant is always in the discussion of the Greatest Of All Time. Most say that he would belong on the Mt. Rushmore of the greatest ever. Sound familiar to discussions about <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/emoni-bates/">[player_tooltip player_id="787606" first="Emoni" last="Bates"]</a>? Bates is talked about with names like Kobe, LeBron, and Durant. </p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/ty-rodgers/">[player_tooltip player_id="787618" first="Ty" last="Rodgers"]</a> (2022, SF, Grand Blanc)</strong></p> <p>Kobe Bryant is an engaging figure and personality that achieved success on his own terms. Rodgers is the exact same way. He knows his goals and how he is going to get there. Rodgers isn’t afraid to blaze his own path. </p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/javaughn-hannah/">[player_tooltip player_id="787651" first="JaVaughn" last="Hannah"]</a> (2022, SG, Mt. Clemens)</strong></p> <p>Kobe just got buckets. Sometimes it seemed like he could score anytime he wanted. Sound familiar Mr. Hannah? JaVaughn is an old fashioned scorer. Just like Kobe, he’s a threat from anywhere on the floor. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p>