Shaheen Holloway, Coach of March Madness Giant Killers Saint Peter’s, Reminisces Being Kobe Bryant’s Teammate

Kobe Bryant was an inspiration. Whoever played against the legend and whoever played with him, everyone agrees he was a rare player. A talent so special that he was one of a kind. Kobe was a Laker all his career, but his career could have been very different if he had stayed on the team who drafted him. 

In the 1996 NBA draft, the Charlotte Hornets picked Kobe as their 13th pick and the Lakers were adamant to steal the young prospect. The Lakers traded him in and Kobe made his debut for them on November 3rd. Little did the Hornets know what Kobe would end up achieving.

Everyone knew Kobe Bryant for his competitive nature. He was determined and dedicated and always aimed to be the best on the court. However, with the skill set he possessed, many believe there came some pride, too. Kobe knew his superiority on most days, and he never failed to show it off.

Also read: Was Kobe more skilled than Michael Jordan?

Having said all this, everyone who played with or against the Lakers legend held him in the highest regard. For both his opponents and teammates, it was an honor to play with him. Another such teammate revisited the time he had spent on the court with Kobe.

Shaheen Holloway revisits his time with Kobe Bryant

Shaheen Holloway is the head coach of the Saint Peter’s Peacocks, currently playing in the NCAA during March Madness. He made an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show. They talked about the ongoing season, their win against Kentucky, and the coach’s experience of winning the MVP over Kobe back in 1996.

Rich asked Shaheen how he remembers the game when he was in a team that had the likes of Kobe Bryant for the McDonald’s All American game in 1996.

“Kobe is[was] a great guy you know god bless him. I played with Kobe a lot. Before the McDonald’s game we played against each other a lot. And with each other a lot of all-star games. That was a tremendous game. It just has so many big time players, a lot of NBA players on that team tim thomas rich hamilton mike debbie you know kobe.” 

” The list goes on and on and on and on. You know we just was out there having fun. And just enjoying each other and you know trying to get a chance to kind of be normal,” said Shaheen.

“At that time all of us was high profile high school basketball players. So it was really hard to try to be a normal high school kid. So now when you’re around a group that’s kind of went through this thing that you went through like that whole weekend they were just out there enjoying each other could be having fun.” Shaheen further shared.

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Shaheen is the main attraction of the NCAA during March Madness as he led his 15th seed Peacocks to a victory against the 2nd seed Kentucky Wildcats. They caused a big upset and have caught the eye with their commendable performance. Shaheen Holloway and Saint Peter’s Peacocks are now in the sweet 16. They will look to advance forward following their promising display.