KB24

When you think of professional basketball (NBA) a few names come to mind. Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Majic Johnson and Jerry West to name a few. Over the past few years, however, many young players have commanded attention. These include Dewayne Wade, Lebron James and none other than the infamous Kobe Bryant aka "The Black Mamba". Whether you like him or not there is one thing no one can deny; he is the most talented basketball player.

The name Kobe Bryant in and of itself is a brand. When you think of him you think talent, drive and persistence just to name a few. But some others come to mind such as intelligent, well-spoken and multi-lingual. He has been the face of numerous companies including Adidas, Coca-Cola, McDonald's and Nike. Many of the Nike commericals showcasing Kobe Bryant and Lebron James as puppets, in my opnion, was a smart marketing tactic. These commericals appealed to children as well as adults by using some adult humor at times. Although Lebron's likeness was portrayed in these commericals it was Kobe Bryant's shoes that were being promoted. Many of these commericals have inspired me to go to Finish Line or Foot Locker to buy a pair of his shoes.

Not only his shoes, but Lakers jerseys, basketballs and wearing his number 24 on my basketball jerseys. I am a huge basketball fan and not only do I watch the game intensely but I play in several basketball leagues during the year. During the basketball season I watch Kobe Bryant's moves, his footwork, passing skills as well as offensive and defensive skills. His skillful moves and game winning shots have shaped me to be the type of player that I am today. I try to emulate his basketball skills both on and off the court.

Kobe Bryant's influential name and character have inspired charities in his name such as the Kobe Bryant China Fund a partner with the Soong Ching Ling Foundation, a charity backed by the Chinese government. He is also the official ambassador for After-School All-Stars (ASAS), an American non-profit organization that provides comprehensive after-school programs to children in 13 US cities. His charity work and that of other players convinced me to volunteer with working with children and donating money to benefit children's organizations.

It is not only Kobe Bryant, but the National Basketball Association, that has helped me to become the person I am today. As a teenager I did not make the best of choices which caused me many problems in school. However, the NBA inspired me to pick up a basketball and use that as an outlet for the high energy that I had. Over the years, this group of players and association has kept me out of trouble and to always push myself to be a better person.

Oftentimes, NBA players are misunderstood because society thinks that they make large sums of money; and for what a game of basketball. But what is often forgotten is the community service and charity they are required to participate in during the season. The NBA demonstrates that they can be an authentic brand through making these services known through commericals documenting their work with children at school, on and off the court and in the community. They definitely portray their trademark and motto, "Where amazing happens", at least to me and my basketball friends.