His passing has hit me very hard. I love basketball. I love the Raptors, and before the Raptors joined the league, I loved Magic and the Lakers. When the Lakers traded for Kobe and then signed Shaq, I enjoyed their success without guilt. Their post Shaq renaissance with Pau was such a treat. I was always on team Kobe in the Shaq/Kobe debate.

Kobe was and always will be my favourite player.

I've been uncharacteristically weepy since hearing the news. I delighted in watching him on the court and relished his media appearances post retirement. What a cruel and tragic world. If only that cocky pilot had gone IFR instead of pushing for VFR in such horrible conditions.