10 things to know about Kobe Bryant

By IAfrica
In Nigeria
Aug 23rd, 2014

Today, the 23rd of August, marks a significant day in the life of one of arguably the greatest basketball player ever, Kobe Bryant.

Still very active as a player, in the National Basketball Association ( NBA) league, he celebrates his 36th birthday today.
TOLU GEORGE takes you through 10 things you may not know about his personal life.

Bryant is the only son of his parents
Bryant, although the youngest of three children, is the only son of his parents. He has two other sisters, Sharia Bryant-Washington and Shaya Bryant.

Bryant’s father, Joe ‘jellybean’ Bryant, was a former professional basketball player.
A 6 foot 9 inches power forward, Joe’s career in the NBA League spanned eight years from 1975 to 1983, playing for the Philadelphia sixers, San Diego clippers and Houston Rockets. He is currently the head coach of the Chang Thailand Slammers in the ASEAN Basketball league.

Kobe got his Name from a restaurant Menu.
Kobe Bryant’s parents were at a Philadelphia restaurant and after seeing the Kobe beef on a restaurant menu, they decided that it would be the name of their son! The beef is generally considered to be a delicacy, renowned for its Flavour, tenderness, fatty and well-marbled and texture.

Bryant’s middle name is Bean.
The name, Bean comes from his father’s nickname, Jelly Bean.

Bryant was raised Roman Catholic.
Kobe was brought up as a Roman Catholic and even participates in the Catholic traditions of God Parenting, god Father to a Niece and son of a Good friend. He often goes along with his wife, who is a devout catholic to church.

Bryant got married in 2001 to his high school sweetheart, Vanessa Cornejo Laine, at age 23.
Kobe met Vanessa in 1999, on the set of a snoop dog video shoot, where Vanessa was a dancer. Vanessa was only 16, and the duo got married two years later.

Bryant has two daughters, Natalia and Gianna.
Natalia Bryant was born January 19, 2003, while Gianna was born May 1st 2006

Bryant though American speaks Italian fluently.
Having Spent eight years of his childhood in Italy with his father, Bryant is no newbie to the Italian culture. He Moved to Italy when he was six, while his father was playing professional basketball there.

Bryant was at one time into music.
While Kobe was in high school, he was a member of a Rap group called CHEIZAW, named after the chi Sah gang in a Martial Arts Film. The Group was later signed by Sony Entertainment. The first single, K.O.B.E, from his scheduled album was performed at the NBA all star weekend in 2000.

Bryant is a fan of Barcelona Football club.
Not many know that Kobe loves football, he is staunch supporter of Barcelona FC and he enjoys a close relationship with some Barcelona star players. In December 2012, Kobe Bryant and Lionel Messi Featured in a Turkish Airlines New publicity Stunts.

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