Latest news with #MambaMentality
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Kobe Bryant's nephew Jett Washington commits to Oregon football team
Jett Washington, the nephew of late NBA legend Kobe Bryant, has announced that he will play college football for Oregon. The 17-year-old is considered one of the top NFL prospects in the class of 2026. He also visited Alabama and USC, while schools including Georgia, Michigan and Texas made offers for Washington. But the five-star safety has decided to join the Ducks as he bids to emulate his uncle and reach the very top of sports. Bryant enjoyed a Hall-of-Fame career with the Lakers, playing 20 seasons in Los Angeles and cementing himself as one of basketball's biggest stars. But back in January 2020, at the age of just 41, Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna were among nine people killed in a helicopter crash. Washington is the son of Bryant's sister, Sharia, and he is considered the No 2 safety in the class of 2026. View this post on Instagram A post shared by On3 Recruits (@on3recruits) The 17-year-old has previously said it is 'special' to be related to Bryant and that he spends 'every day' trying to evoke the NBA legend's 'Mamba Mentality'. Washington joins the Ducks as the No 18 overall recruit. 'I've built a great relationship with them,' Washington told 247Sports. 'I went up there for the Ohio State game last season, and it's a place I could see myself at. 'My relationship with the coaches has been big. When you're there, you feel the energy. 'It's everywhere inside that building and just being around coach Dan Lanning, he's a defensive head coach and always involved in the defense, so you know you're going to get development.' Washington, who stands at 6ft 5ins, also played high school basketball for Bishop Gorman in Las Vegas.
USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Recent NFL projection may have gifted every Eagles rookie with extra motivation
Recent NFL projection may have gifted every Eagles rookie with extra motivation An NFL rookie projection speaks loudly, but the Eagles will speak even louder. Five years after Kobe Bryant's untimely passing, his 'Mamba Mentality' still provides quite the intriguing study. It has shifted from attitude to philosophy, a theory shared by Philadelphia Eagles, NBA stars, and even the hardworking men or women at the office. Most of the general public won't ever drop 81 points in a single professional basketball game. Heck, most NBA stars won't do that. They'll have to find contentment in the building blocks, an unquenchable thirst to be the best at something. What does that have to do with football, you ask? Well, thank you for asking the question. Though they're young, there may be some baby 'mambas' growing at the NovaCare Complex, and if they're anything like Kobe, they'll do anything to find some added motivation. They won't have to look too hard. just gifted them with a heavy dosage. An NFL All-Rookie Team projection is embarrassingly void of any Eagles Gennaro Filice is a deputy editor at He doesn't pick up the pen or pluck keys on the keyboard very often, but when he does, what he offers isn't to be missed. Recently, he tried his hand at projecting the members of the 2025 NFL All-Rookie Team. Not a single Eagle was mentioned. Call it an embarrassment. Call it an oversight. Whatever you call it, if this draft class is what we think it is, it can certainly be viewed as motivation. Now, everyone could play the devil's advocate. Maybe the theory is that Jihaad Campbell won't be healthy early. Maybe he'll miss too many important snaps. Then again, the thinking could be something else. How about another theory while the wheels are turning? This is Zack Baun, Jalen Carter, Nolan Smith, Cooper DeJean, Reed Blankenship, and Quinyon Mitchell's defense. They'll be the young leaders Vic Fangio relies upon. Maybe the theory is that Andrew Mukuba and Ty Robinson will be part of a heavy rotation at their respective positions. That being said, there may not be enough snaps for them to make a case to be placed ahead of early favorites to make the all-rookie team. The argument makes sense. Still, that isn't exciting enough. Most would prefer the more emotion-filled response to projection. This list is disrespectful. It should be viewed as fuel for the rookie's fire, and this entire season should be treated like a revenge tour. Perhaps, it's off-base, but that's how Mamba Mentality works. Find motivation in everything, even if you have to make up your own. After all, that's exactly the strategy Kobe used sometimes.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
"Please don't ask me about silly stuff like that" - When Kobe Bryant didn't waste his breath after ESPN ranked him No. 93 in his finals season
"Please don't ask me about silly stuff like that" - When Kobe Bryant didn't waste his breath after ESPN ranked him No. 93 in his finals season originally appeared on Basketball Network. Often referred considered as the closest player to Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant had an illustrious career playing for the Los Angeles Lakers. Inspiring several generations with his "Mamba Mentality" mantra, the 6'6" guard remains a reference point when measuring greatness in the NBA. Advertisement Delivering five championships, repping the Purple and Gold, Kobe remained an eternal student of the game's fundamentals. Dominating the 2000s decade, the Lakers guard set a new precedent regarding his work ethic and competitive zeal to succeed. Clinching his fifth title in 2010, Kobe's game began showing signs of decline, with age and injuries catching up to him. The two-time Finals MVP's diminishing productivity, coupled with his ball-dominant nature, made the situation more complex for the Lakers' management. Heading into the 2015-16 season, which also turned out to be his retirement tour, Kobe was ranked at No. 93 by ESPN. Taking offense, fans rallied behind Bryant. When asked about it, the two-time scoring champion was nothing but all smiles. Advertisement "Yeah, I heard a couple of them. I don't need to defend that (ranking). Nobody does, really. Please don't ask me about silly stuff like that," said Kobe when discussing his ranking. As stated in the ESPN report, for the 2015 edition, 101 members of the ESPN Forecast panel (analysts, writers, researchers, editors, etc.) predicted how much each NBA player would contribute to his team's ability to win games, factoring in both his quality of play and minutes played. The panel, founded in 2008, has been ranking NBA players since the lockout of 2011. Throwing shade the previous season Kobe's nonchalant approach wasn't the case in the 2014-15 season when the eighteen-time All-Star didn't mince his words. Expressing his dismay over being ranked No. 40, Bryant had the following to say, "I've known for a long time (that) they're a bunch of idiots." Using adjectives like "Silly" and "Laughable" against the media giant's grading system. Breaking down his numbers that year, the Lakers veteran played only 35 games due to a torn rotator cuff. Nonetheless, he averaged the following stat line: 22.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists. Advertisement Related: "They are going to have to start to paying guys" - Doc Rivers breaks down why OKC won't be able to keep this team together The complexities around Bryant As a true basketball icon, Kobe has achieved almost every accolade in the book. The former MVP was as multi-dimensional as it gets, which is evident from his 15 All-NBA and 12 All-Defensive Team selections. Despite all the accolades, the Lakers' superstar also received his fair share of criticism, especially when it came to his offensive style. He was often labeled as too individualistic — a high-usage guard who didn't always prioritize ball movement or team flow. Advertisement As the NBA began shifting toward pace-and-space systems and efficiency-first metrics in the early 2010s, Kobe's shot selection and volume-heavy approach were frequently called into question. But what set the Black Mamba apart was his unmatched confidence and the ability to respond with performances that silenced most of his critics — at least while his body still allowed it. As injuries piled up and the game evolved further away from his brand of basketball, that ability faded — but the mindset never did. Related: "That man hit three 3-pointers right in front of me" - Bun B recalls his Spike Lee moment with Kobe Bryant This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Jalen Hurts just hit up Michael Jordan and Derek Jeter for advice on staying a champ
After being crowned Super Bowl MVP, Jalen Hurts didn't hit cruise control. Nope, he immediately went hunting for greatness advice. And who did he turn to? Just two of the greatest champions in sports history: Michael Jordan and Derek Jeter. Because why settle for one ring when you can build a dynasty? Jalen Hurts reveals he spoke with Michael Jordan and Jeter about what it takes to repeat as champion During a press interaction on June 11, Hurts revealed that after winning the Super Bowl, he had private conversations with Michael Jordan and Derek Jeter about how to stay on top and build something lasting. Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts 'Straight to Work' + Spoke to Michael Jordan & Derek Jeter About Repeat 'I reached out to both MJ and Jeter,' Hurts said. 'We texted. I wanted to understand what really separates good from elite — how to repeat, how to sustain success.' He said they shared mindset tips and the mental grind it takes to keep winning when you're already at the top, something both legends mastered in their careers. The internet is loving Hurts' mindset: "This is Mamba Mentality in action" The reaction online? All respect. No trolling, no jokes just fans hyping up Hurts for seeking knowledge instead of just celebrating. People are even calling it a "Mamba Mentality move" going out of your way to study greatness and master the mental game. Jordan and Jeter know exactly what it takes to repeat and Hurts is listening Let's put this in perspective. Jordan three-peated. Twice. Jeter? Five World Series titles and the undisputed captain of the Yankees. These guys didn't just win, they led, adapted, evolved, and dominated for years . by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Perdagangkan CFD Emas dengan Broker Tepercaya IC Markets Mendaftar Undo By reaching out to them, Hurts is basically trying to download their blueprint and apply it to the Eagles' future. And the timing couldn't be better. After their Super Bowl run, the Eagles will be under the microscope. Can Hurts repeat? Can Philly become a dynasty? This isn't just a flex, it's a mindset shift. Hurts wants rings, plural. He's asking questions, surrounding himself with greatness, and trying to make sure that this year's win isn't a one-hit wonder. And when you've got Jordan and Jeter dropping knowledge in your texts? You're not playing checkers, you're building an empire. Also read - 'Puka is dead'? Rams star's viral Instagram name finally explained and it's all his mom's fault
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Nolan Smith explains how Brandon Graham won him over with some early leadership
Sometimes, we all can benefit from someone we look up to putting their arm around us. If you disagree, don't worry. You'll learn that lesson at some point, and all of this will make more sense to you when it does. Lifelong Philadelphia Eagles fan Kobe Bryant taught us that we all can benefit from adopting some 'Mamba Mentality'. A franchise legend, Brandon Graham, taught us another lesson. Flashing a smile or picking someone else up can be just as infectious. Advertisement No one has ever spent all of their time around the man affectionately referred to as B.G. by the local media, teammates, and the NFL's most loyal fan base, so as years have gone by, we've paid attention to people who have been around him at various stages of his journey. The idea was to gather a more well-rounded picture by doing so. Who is Brandon Graham? What do the people who know him best say about him? Guess what we found out? He was never without a smile. He always had a kind word for everyone. Nolan Smith offers his favorite Brandon Graham story. Day five of Eagles OTAs wasn't much different than the first four. The organization is about its business. There may be a Super Bowl banner added to the practice bubble, but to a man, every Bird that talks about the recent Lombardi Trophy win has seemingly placed it in their rearview memory. Everyone says they have turned the page. Advertisement Graham turned that page and decided he'd retire, and with his exit, Philadelphia loses a locker room leader and a valuable contributor both on and off the field. The future rests in the hands of guys like Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt. Both are ready for expanded roles and the chance to prove their best football is still ahead of them. The routine is familiar. Coaches meet with the media before practice. Players speak with the media afterward. Following the June 3 session, Nolan was among the players who spoke at the podium. In an unexpected show of respect, he offered some perspective on one of the gifts given to him by Brandon Graham. Football is a unique game. There's a blend of cooperation and competition. The veterans who help these individuals become better players may also be the ones who will one day take their positions. Advertisement Nolan Smith will never forget the impact Graham made on him. Two stories couldn't be more similar. The Eagles drafted Graham, a pass rusher, during the 2010 NFL Draft. 13 years later, they drafted another, the man who would eventually replace him. They're bonded by great personalities, slow starts to their career, similar pedigrees, but most importantly, they're bonded by brotherhood and friendship. Smith still talks to Graham every day, and that might be the best part about both of their stories. Might Nolan play in Philadelphia for 15 years? Time will tell, but deep down, it's easy to hope he will. This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Nolan Smith praises Brandon Graham for making an early impression
