In a future WNBA draft, we were supposed to hear that a team had selected GiGi Bryant out of UConn with a first overall pick.
Because of the January 26 helicopter crash in Calabasas that took the lives of Kobe and Gianna Bryant along with two of her teammates (Payton Chester and Alyssa Altobelli) and five others aboard, that sadly, will never happen.
The New York Post is reporting that commissioner Cathy Engelbert mentioned the plans to honor the three at this year’s WNBA draft, currently scheduled for April 17 (according to the WNBA’s website).
We are going to honor the three girls at our WNBA draft this year in April.
–Cathy Engelbert, WNBA commissioner (per New York Post)
We have a lot of ideas.
–Cathy Engelbert, WNBA commissioner (per New York Post)
Engelbert reportedly made the remarks while at a Super Bowl event in Miami.
Since the tragic events of Jan. 26, there have been no shortage of tributes in honor of Kobe and Gianna. The younger Bryant was recognized with a seat on the bench with a No. 2 jersey and flowers when UConn faced Team USA in an exhibition game at Hartford’s XL Center.
When the NBA All-Star Game tips off in two weeks from United Center in Chicago, the two teams will wear No. 2 to recognize GiGi and No. 24 for Kobe. After three quarters, 24 points will be added to the leading team’s score and a target score will be set. The game’s winner will be the team that first reaches that target score.
