Cesafi players, coaches saddened by Kobe Bryant’s death 

Cebu City, Philippines—More and more basketball personalities from Cebu are reacting to the sudden demise of basketball legend Kobe Bryant.

Bryant, considered among the greatest basketball players of all time and a five-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, died in a helicopter crash in Southern California on Sunday, January 26, 2020,  (Monday dawn, January 27, 2020, Philippine time).

Read: Kobe Bryant, 4 others killed in California chopper crash

Players and coaches from the Cebu Schools Athletics Foundation Inc. (Cesafi), Cebu’s premiere collegiate basketball league, were among many basketball fans who were expressed their sadness with the tragic death of Bryant.

Read: Cebu’s basketball personalities’ reaction to Kobe Bryant’s tragic death

Here are their reactions:

Mike Reyes

Head coach, SWU-Phinma Cobras 

“Mamba out…he will always be around the basketball community thru his moves that many players try to use nowadays.”

Gary Cortes

Head coach, UV Green Lancers

“I am a solid fan of the Lakers since Jabbar and Magic Johnson’s time, Kobe’s time up to the present. I am speechless of his death but all I know is that Kobe will always be remembered, not only by the Lakers’ fans but also by the whole world.”

Rocky Alcoseba

Former University of Cebu assistant coach

“I cried when I heard the news at around 5am when I woke up.  He was my idol, my hero growing up. Even now. Everyone who know me knows I love kobe. I was looking forward for his hall of fame enshrinement when he gives that speech. It’s just a sad day for all basketball fans.”

Rommel Rasmo

Head coach, SHS-AdC Magis Eagles

”I am saddened about the news and I admire Kobe for he is a tough and competitive player. We will all remember him as he inspired a lot of teen players in the basketball industry.”

Sir Shaquille Imperial

Cesafi MVP, SWU-Phinma Cobras

“About Kobe, of course I wasn’t happy when I heard the news and I couldn’t believe that it was him who died. Kobe influenced me with his skills, also especially with how dedicated he was in playing basketball, he plays with heart. I also admire his instincts on court, he’s one of my basketball idols since I was child.”

William Rosebelt Polican

Team captain, SWU-Phinma Cobras

“I am super sad because he is the reason why we love basketball so much. Throughout the world, people know, especially basketball players, we all want to be like Kobe. He’s our hero. This is so heartbreaking for us. He influenced me to work hard, wake up early in the morning to work on your game. And, he has mentality to win every ball game. He has all mentality. I don’t know what else to say, I am so speechless that Kobe is gone but he will not be gone from our hearts.”

Gabriel Cometa

UV Green Lancers

“Kobe influenced me with his shooting and footwork that’s why I work hard on my footwork and jump shots. I never practice the 3 points because Kobe seldom goes for that shot, only when he’s open and needed by the team. More importantly is the way he played inside the court and his mindset, Kobe had the killer mentality like the mamba, when it bites it is dangerous, that’s how Kobe plays inside the court.”

Rey Anthony Suerte

Former Cesafi MVP, PBA Draftee

 “Very very sad, I feel so weak while on the way to our practice earlier. I’m in disbelief with what happened to one of the players idolized by most basketball players.”

Miguel Gastador

Former University of San Jose-Recoletos player, PBA D-League draftee

“I feel so sad and speechless. Kobe Bryant is one of the reasons why I played basketball because of his ‘Mamba Mentality.’”

Darrell Shane Menina

Former University of Cebu player, PBA D-League draftee

“I couldn’t believe the posts about Kobe’s death when I woke up. It is painful even if you’re not related to him because he is one of the greatest basketball players of all time. 

Kobe Bryant can’t be forgotten. He has a huge influence on my game, especially on my footwork.” 

Allyn Dyll Roncal

SWU-Phinma Cobras

“Shocked and in disbelief with what happened to Kobe and Gigi Bryant together with their staff. I thought it was fake news but when I watched the news, sad to hear and know that what happened was true. As a player, Kobe influenced me in the way he leads the team, the way he motivates other aspiring players and and most especially the ” MAMBA MENTALITY.”

Raul Jancork Cabahug 

UV Green Lancers

“I woke up late, thus I am so shocked. Kobe was one of the reasons why I worked hard and pursued basketball. Reading his words motivated me to be a better version of myself.”

Ted Saga

Team captain, UV Green Lancers

“Can’t believe because it is still too early, it is sad because he is one of my idols. He has a great influence on me, I watched his games and each time I am amazed and his great love for basketball also motivates me.”

Justine Jules Langres

USC Warriors

“First of all, I am saddened by the loss of my childhood idol whom I also consider as my hero, Mr. Kobe Bean Bryant. I will always remember Kobe beating my idols especially in the playoffs and I will always respect him and his competitive nature that has inspired me to play basketball the right way.” /bmjo