Dear Hoops Fam,

Like all of you, I was extremely shocked by the sudden passing of Kobe Bryant on Sunday.

This followed with an overwhelming feeling of deep sadness and empathy.

I felt the enormity of this news and the impact it would have on our global basketball community.

I thought about you guys. My immediate basketball family. The ones who go toe to toe on the court, week after week.

And that same sadness sunk even deeper in my belly.

So many reasons to live life in the here and now.
So many reasons to stop taking the simple pleasures for granted.
So many reasons to follow those whispers in our heart and wake up to our dreams.
So many reasons to tell those around us how much they are loved. And truly valued.
So many reasons to stop making excuses and get the **** up.

What fell upon me in those initial moments of disbelief was a desire to pay respect to Kobe and to let our basketball family know that we feel them too.

A limited edition commemorative tee is being whipped up as we speak and will be distributed to the first 100 members who attend any Hoops class from Tuesday, 4th February 2020.

As we unite, our Hoops Never Sleeps community pay our deepest respects to the man who influenced us for decades, on so many levels, the Black Mamba.

I would also like to also acknowledge Kobe’s daughter, Gianna, and the other 7 passengers who lost their lives that day.

The tee shirt sizes range from Youth XL to Adults 2XL.
First in first served. Limit of one per person. Until stocks last. These are not for sale.

This is our gift to you. Wear it with pride. Play in it. Sweat in it. Just don’t leave it on the shelf.

And to leave you with some wise words from our beloved Black Mamba...

"Be sad. Be mad. Be frustrated. Scream. Cry. Sulk. When you wake up you will think it was just a nightmare only to realize it’s all too real. You will be angry and wish for the day back, the game back THAT play back. But reality gives nothing back and nor should you." — Kobe Bryant

And from us at Hoops,
Kia Kaha (Stay Strong).

Coach Emma and the Hoops Crew.