Zahui: "He pushed us to be treated like the men"

During Sunday morning, American Time, Kobe Bryant's private helicopter crashed in Calabasas, outside Los Angeles. On board were his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and another seven people.

Bryant coached his daughter's basketball team and had a keen interest in the women's basketball team. In addition to helping talented Gianna reach the world elite and pass on the legacy, the 41-year-old also tried to help the WNBA, the Women's National Basketball Association, grow in interest.

That's what Amanda Zahui testifies to. The Swede plays during the New York Liberty season.

What did he mean for the women's basket?

- Everything. He studied us to get better. So Kobe Bryant studied us to get better! He pushed us to be treated like the men. He came to matches and supported us. He is one of those who really tried to put us on the map. To ensure that we receive the respect we deserve.

Did you meet him?

- No. But I have several friends who are close to him. As you hear when they talk about or mess him up.

Zahui argues that Bryant was a great advocate for gender equality and that it was an issue he placed great emphasis on.

- Greatest. It was he, MJ and LeBron, they go hand in hand. For our generation, it was he who pulled the load and led the way. He was a person who pushed for equality and justice, not just in the basketball. For my generation, Kobe was ... everyone talks about him when to throw some garbage in the trash: "Kobe" ... he was the basket!