What was Kobe Bryant doing in China?

Bryant visited China during every off season and continued to visit frequently after his retirement. He attended store openings, held clinics to teach basketball skills, and made high-profile visits to classic Chinese sites like the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an.

When did Kobe visit China?

Bryant visited China in August for the 2019 FIBA World Cup and told reporters, “I watched it develop from the ground up. I watched the city (Beijing) grow, watched the passion for the game develop.

Why was Kobe so loved in China?

China is a natural fit for Kobe as he’s larger than life in the Middle Kingdom. Kobe has the highest selling jersey in China, even eclipsing China’s own Yao Ming.

Is Kobe famous in China?

China’s love for the NBA coincided with the rise of Kobe Bryant and hence his popularity in the country was unparalleled. Therefore, it is hardly surprising that even a cultural icon from his teens like LeBron was stunned by the Chinese adulation for Kobe.

Did Kobe Bryant travel to other countries?

Kobe Bryant Comments on Decision Not to Play Overseas After NBA Retirement. Kobe Bryant shot down once and for all any chance of a move overseas after the conclusion of the 2015-16 NBA regular season. “I would have loved to play overseas for a season,” Bryant said Monday, per Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News.

Why is Kobe so famous?

Kobe Bryant, in full Kobe Bean Bryant, (born August 23, 1978, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.—died January 26, 2020, Calabasas, California), American professional basketball player, who helped lead the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA) to five championships (2000–02 and 2009–10).

How popular was Kobe in China?

Kobe Bryant Was a Superstar in China On one occasion 15,000 fans waited outside for hours just to get a glimpse of him. The level fandom for Kobe Bryant in China, surpassed his popularity in America. In a now famous viral video, fans would become overwhelmed and cry from just looking at him.

How many languages did Kobe Bryant speak?

English
SpanishItalian
Kobe Bryant/Languages

😢🏀💜💛🙏🎥🌴 Kobe Bryant was Raised in Italy from age 6 through Junior High School and young teens. Growing up Abroad he learned to speak many different languages fluently and those languages ranged from Italian,… More Spanish, French, Mandarin, English and many more.

Where did Kobe like to go?

1. Disneyland. Bryant recently spoke about his love for Disneyland and his favorite ride, “I enjoy Soarin’ Over California.” Bryant recently joined his family to Disney’s California adventure where he stated, “You see that big Ferris wheel they have?

Where did Vanessa Bryant go on vacation?

The girls stayed at the 150-year-old Antibes hotel, which is perched on the coast of the French Riviera. Vanessa captioned one of her vacation pics, “We took Capri to Capri.”

How did Kobe get the name Black Mamba?

That’s when he introduced the idea of an alter ego and ‘Black Mamba’ was born. Inspired by the code name of an assassin in the cult favorite film, Kill Bill by Quentin Tarantino, Bryant sought to not only reinvent himself but create a means of deflecting the intense backlash that he had begun to face.

Does Kobe Bryant still go to China?

Bryant continued to visit China after he retired from the NBA in 2016 and was involved with several Chinese companies, including Alibaba, which was co-founded by Nets owner Joe Tsai. He partnered with the massive commerce company to distribute the documentary “Kobe Bryant’s Muse.”

Does CCTV have a tribute to Kobe Bryant?

But CCTV did publish tributes to Bryant on social media. Andrew Collins is the CEO of Mailman, a sports digital marketing and technology firm in China, and in his newsletter following Bryant’s death, he wrote, “Kobe was a unique athlete to work with. Unlike many stars of his caliber he was personally (involved) across all projects.

How did Kobe Bryant and Yao Ming help the NBA grow?

Yao’s presence in the NBA combined with Bryant’s popularity helped the league’s growth in China. Last season 640 million Chinese watched NBA content, including 21 million who watched Game 6 of the Finals. And just two days before he died he posted on the Chinese micro-blogging site Weibo, wishing Chinese fans a happy new year.

Did Kobe Bryant dunk on the Great Wall of China?

Bryant once dunked on a portable basket at the Great Wall of China. USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo saw firsthand Bryant’s popularity during Bryant’s time with Team USA at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, when as captain he led the team to a gold medal.