UConn, USC honor Kobe and Gigi Bryant by wearing Kobe's in matchup

Prior to tip-off Saturday night between No. 1 UConn and No. 16 USC, it was revealed that players from both programs are wearing different pairs of Kobe’s to honor Kobe and Gigi Bryant. The father-daughter duo tragically passed away in a helicopter crash that occurred on Jan. 26, 2020.

Gianna, who was just 13 at the time of her passing, was expected to play at UConn when she embarked on her collegiate basketball journey. She likely would have been in the midst of her freshman season at UConn if the tragic event had not occurred.

To pay homage to Kobe and Gigi Bryant, who would’ve been in her freshman year at UConn, USC and UConn players are all wearing different pairs of Kobe’s for today’s game. pic.twitter.com/WW1zSg8KWE

— Ryan Kartje (@RyanKartje) December 13, 2025