Gianna Bryant: Facts About The Budding WNBA Star You Didn't Know

 Gianna Maria-Onere, the 13-year-old daughter of NBA legend Kobe Bryant, was among the 9 people killed in the Los Angeles helicopter crash that also claimed the life of her father.

Kobe and Gianna were reportedly on their way to the Mamba Sports Academy, which the late NBA great co-founded, when the helicopter crashed in foggy conditions in the Los Anges suburb of Calabasas.

She was expected to play in a game on the day the fatal incident happened.

Here are some facts about Gianna:

Gigi, as her father fondly called her, was born on May 1, 2006 – the second of 4 siblings.

She, her older sister Natalia, and their mother Vanessa frequently watched Los Angeles Lakers games when Kobe was still playing in the NBA.

Gigi was there when Kobe played his final game in 2016 as he dropped 60 points against the Utah Jazz in a storybook ending to a celebrated career.

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Gianna Bryant....a budding star whose light was cut short. Inseparable from her dad even in death. A sad pity the world will never see her in all her glory on the WNBA court #ripgianna #ripgiannabryant #247nnu #247nigerianewsupdate

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When Kobe retired, he coached Gigi and her AAU team, the Los Angeles Lady Mamba, often showing how his daughter improved on her basketball skills by posting videos of her on his Instagram.

Gigi and Kobe also bonded over watching NBA games live, with the older Bryant dissecting the plays to his daughter as they sat along the sidelines.

In an interview on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Kobe said Gigi "for sure" wanted to play in the WNBA.

Kobe added Gigi was determined to carry on his legacy whenever fans tell him that he has to have a son.

Its sad to see a vibrant life cut short way too soon. May she rest in peace.