Inspired by the deceased Kobe Bryant‘s encouragement towards female athletes, Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd has established a women’s basketball program by the name Jason Kidd Select. Kidd intends to carry on Bryant’s vision by assisting women in accomplishing desired goals in sports as well as additional arenas. All of the program’s participants have earned Division I scholarships since the initiative began in 2021.
The Jason Kidd Select girls’ basketball team had a spectacular weekend in NYC courtesy of a victory at the prestigious Rucker Park. But the team’s founder and their staff had spoken about ways to make their visit more poignant before leaving. The team’s under-17 national championship previously this year was commemorated with championship rings. And as Kidd presented his team with their new jewelry on Thursday, he reflected on his source of motivation.
“We all saw Kobe Bryant and the light that he was putting on women’s sports,” Kidd said. “When he and his daughter passed, a question became who was going to help pick up the torch“, he added. (h/t via Andscape)
Kobe Bryant played all his NBA career for the Lakers, and still manages to leave an indelible mark after retiring. He kissed goodbye to his playing career with 18 All-Star selections, five NBA championships, and one MVP trophy. Kobe’s supporters will encourage Kidd’s admirable efforts in the years that follow. His program is likely to contribute to the development of women’s basketball overall and provide fresh talent with more possibilities than ever.
Jason Kidd is pleased to witness the growth of his program
Jason Kidd expects every player on the team to get their hands on a college scholarship. All members of the Jason Kidd Select team have obtained Division I scholarships since 2021. Some of them participated in sports at Cal, Penn, Florida State, Texas Southern, Cornell, and Arizona State, among several other schools.
“We’re helping hundreds of kids and we measure success not by going to a five-star school, but going to even the so-called smaller programs that will help prepare them for their next step in life,” Kidd said. “I’m happy to be a part of this, and I think there are other retired and active players that are doing the same to help these young women.”
Congratulations to Jordan Lee on getting MVP of the Curry Camp featuring 24 of the top players in the country! Great job Jordan! #RamPride pic.twitter.com/v6Dvlxnypo
— St. Mary’s HS GBB (@StMarysGirlsBB) August 7, 2022
A member of the 17U national title team from this year, Jordan Lee, revealed she is pumped up to play college basketball at Texas after completing her senior year at Stockton, California’s St. Mary’s High School. Lee also earned the MVP award at Curry Camp in August, which included some of the best women’s basketball players in the country and was directed by Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry.
Lee has proven to be the most valuable athletes in the program, and Kidd is pleased with how she has been making headway. He is delighted with the momentum with which the women’s game is progressing, especially after the women’s NCAA championship game saw increased competition.