Just recently, former WNBA star Candace Parker was seen training Bianka, daughter of the late Kobe Bryant. After that session, she recounted how crazy that experience was in seeing the young girl play ball with her.
Parker has taken on a new role as a personal coach for Bianka. The sweet moment, captured on her Instagram account, showcased the former Los Angeles Sparks star guiding the young athlete on her free throw form, with Parker standing under the basket, ready to offer guidance.
This touching scene resonates deeply, given Bryant’s unwavering support for the WNBA and his dedication to empowering the next generation of female basketball players. Tragically, his daughter Gianna, who shared his passion for the sport, passed away before she could fulfill her dream of playing professionally.
Seeing Parker take Bianka under her wing holds profound significance. It is a testament to the enduring connection between the Bryant family and the world of women’s basketball. It is a heartwarming display of the league’s commitment to nurturing the sport’s future, with Parker’s mentorship serving as a shining example of the sport’s lasting impact.
WNBA Legend Candace Parker Recounts Crazy Experience While Training Kobe Bryant’s Daughter
That particular moment captured the attention of basketball fans due to the significance it represents. In an article written by Marc J. Spears for Andscape, Parker recounted how crazy it was training the younger Bryant.
Speaking about girls playing pickup, you got to help the late Kobe Bryant’s 7-year-old daughter, Bianka Bella, with her shot the other day. What did he mean to you and what is that like working with her?
It’s crazy. Do you know how you see kids and they have triceps and long arms. And she grabbed the ball initially and what threw me was she loaded her wrist and I was like, this is wild. She loaded her wrist under the ball. Most kids, you have your wrist like that. But it means a lot to me that Vanessa [Bryant] is still so connected to the game of basketball.
That’s the thing I take is that she’s not running from the game. She wants her daughters to be a part of it and to understand the legacy that they come from, but also build their own, which I think is cool. I had the opportunity to work out with Kobe and do footwork and build. He called it ‘Build your House.’ And so, it was cool to be able to be a part of that with Bianka and to see how naturally gifted she is.
So, anything they need, Kobe has meant so much to the game of basketball and women’s basketball. Before everybody was watching, he was sitting courtside at Staples Center, he was wearing the orange sweatshirt. So, he has a lot to do with the growth [of the WNBA]. And so, anything that I can do to help them, I mean they’re a special part of my heart and my family and my basketball journey.
Over the course of her 16-year career, Parker has won two MVPs, three championships, seven All-Star selections, and an All-Star Game MVP. She also posted averages of 16.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game.
Without a doubt, Parker is the right person to bring out the best from Bianka as a basketball player. When everything is said and done, there’s no better individual there to show Bryant’s daughter the ropes in the days to come.
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