SUMMARY
- On one of the episodes of the infamous podcast 'Gil's Arena', Gilbert Arenas, Josiah Johnson, Kenyon Martin, and Miko Grimes came together to discuss stories of Bryant to celebrate Mamba Day.
- Back in 2020, Tiger Woods spoke about Black Mamba and the qualities that made him stand out, and ended up making a bold claim as he revealed the major connection between him and Bryant.
Kobe Bryant is one of the greatest talents to play on the NBA court. His storied career continues to inspire countless people who dream of becoming something like him. Bryant became widely renowned for his Mamba Mentality and he stood like one-of-a-kind. However, when his teammates named another sports personality as the most mentally focused athlete, he had the most savage reply.
On one of the episodes of the infamous podcast ‘Gil’s Arena’, Gilbert Arenas, Josiah Johnson, Kenyon Martin, and Miko Grimes came together to discuss stories of Bryant to celebrate Mamba Day. One of the untold stories that was revealed involved legendary golfer Tiger Woods. Arenas started by talking about how everyone was on the bus and Bryant had headphones on.
The topic of discussion for the teammates was Woods’ iconic win at the US Open despite playing with a torn meniscus or torn Achilles. Arenas revealed, “Players in the back like, ‘Man, did y’all see Tiger? Man, that’s the most mentally focused athlete in the world right now.'” What they didn’t say coming was Bryant’s reply that would leave all of them speechless.
The late Lakers star took his headphones off and interrupted to say “That’s mental focus? Winning something on a torn meniscus?” Furthermore, he talked about himself as he mentioned scoring 40 points every night with five years hanging over his head. “Now that’s mentally focused,” Bryant added as he proceeded to put his headphones on.
Tiger Woods claims he shared a major connection with Kobe Bryant
Back in 2020, Tiger Woods spoke to CBS’ Amanda Balionis shortly after the news of Kobe Bryant’s death shocked everyone. As he spoke about Black Mamba and the qualities that made him stand out, Woods ended up making a bold claim as he revealed the major connection between him and Bryant. “We really connected on more the mental side of it, the prep, how much it takes to be prepared,” Woods stated.
🚨🟣🟡 Kobe Bryant would have turned 45 today.
Tiger Woods on Kobe: “I’ll remember the fire. He burned so competitively hot. The desire to win. He brought it each and every night on both ends of the floor. Not too many guys can say that throughout NBA history.” pic.twitter.com/gPMo4seK4q
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) August 23, 2023
Furthermore, he emphasized how Bryant paid attention to the details and would spend hours in the gym practicing shots. Woods stated that it looked like it came naturally to Bryant during the games but he spent hours trying to figure out what’s the best way to become better. “That’s where he and I really connected because we’re very similar,” he said as he talked about how he became a pro in the same year that Bryant joined the NBA.
Fans chanted Kobe Bryant’s name at the Farmers Insurance Open 2020
Tiger Woods was playing in the second round at the Farmers Insurance Open 2020 when something unexpected started happening. He heard fans chant Kobe Bryant’s name and Woods tried to remain focused on the game, unaware of the tragedy that had unfolded. After coming off the 18th green, Woods’ caddie Joe LaCava told him about Bryant‘s unfortunate death.
In an interview, the golfer said, “I didn’t really understand why the people in the gallery were saying, ‘Do it for Mamba.’ But now I understand.” Woods went on to talk about Bryant’s death as a shocker for everyone. Further, he emphasized, “Unbelievably sad, and one of the more tragic days.” It has been four years since the world lost Bryant and it is still like a fresh wound.