That epitomized the late NBA great’s relationship with the women’s game. After his 20-year playing career ended, Bryant turned his focus to the next generation, mentoring some of women’s basketball’s biggest stars, from WNBA champion and Olympic gold medalist Diana Taurasi to former Oregon star Sabrina Ionescu.

Many WNBA players believe Kobe Bryant would be pleased with the overall progress of women’s sports, which have skyrocketed in popularity and reach in recent years.

Dearica Hamby still smiles at the memory of Kobe Bryant ... from WNBA champion and Olympic gold medalist Diana Taurasi to former Oregon star Sabrina Ionescu. He worked out with them, analyzed ...

(AP Photo/Michael Owen Baker, File) Dearica Hamby still smiles at the memory ... and Olympic gold medalist Diana Taurasi to former Oregon star Sabrina Ionescu. He worked out with them, analyzed ...

Dearica Hamby still smiles at the memory of Kobe Bryant ... from WNBA champion and Olympic gold medalist Diana Taurasi to former Oregon star Sabrina Ionescu. He worked out with them, analyzed ...

A look back at Kobe Bryant's farewell game on the five-year anniversary of his death Dearica Hamby still smiles at ... medalist Diana Taurasi to former Oregon star Sabrina Ionescu.

Women's Basketball Players Reflect on Kobe Bryant's Impact on Their Game Five Years After His Death Dearica Hamby still smiles ... Diana Taurasi to former Oregon star Sabrina Ionescu.

Unrivaled will crown its first one-on-one champion on Feb. 14. The new 3-on-3 women’s basketball league announced the rules for the tournament that will be played over three days. Thirty

Dearica Hamby still smiles at the memory of Kobe Bryant sitting courtside at WNBA games. She had met him years ago. He came to see her old team, the Las Vegas Aces, play all the time. “I think one of the first things he told me was that I could play defence,

DEARICA HAMBY still smiles at the memory of Kobe Bryant ... from WNBA champion and Olympic gold medalist Diana Taurasi to former Oregon star Sabrina Ionescu. He worked out with them, analyzed ...

Vinyl forward Dearica Hamby (5) goes to the basket as Laces guard Tiffany Hayes, right, defends during last Friday's Unrivaled 3-on-3 basketball game in Medley, Fla. Phantom forward Satou Sabally (0) drives to the basket as Mist forward Aaliyah Edwards (3) defends during last Friday's Unrivaled 3-on-3 basketball game in Medley,

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