The upcoming induction of the 2008 “Redeem Team” into the Naismith Hall of Fame is a moment draped in both triumph and a profound ache. For those who witnessed their journey to Olympic gold, and especially for their guiding force, Coach Mike Krzyzewski, the celebration arrives with a heavy heart. The looming absence of Kobe Bryant, the fierce competitor and leader who was the very soul of that “Redeem Team,” casts a long shadow over this momentous occasion. As the team prepares to take its place among basketball’s legends, Coach K’s raw emotion serves as a poignant reminder of the irreplaceable void left by the Mamba, a testament to the indelible mark he left on a team forged in the crucible of redemption.
“The last couple days have been really emotional. Look, Kobe was one of my players. I coached him on three teams, he was my leader,” Redeem Team coach said about the Lakers legend. While Coach K’s connection with Kobe was particularly strong, it’s clear that Bryant’s intensity, leadership, and competitive fire deeply impacted every member of that ‘Redeem Team.’ His absence will undoubtedly be felt by all those who shared that golden journey. The two had a great connection! As that very foundation, the Team Redeem is all set to be honoured, it wasn’t so surprising to see the former coach get emotional. Kobe Bryant‘s absence is deeply felt more than ever, as he reminisced about the Lakers legend.
The 2008 Team USA that successfully regained the glory, earning the beloved name Team Redeem along the way, is still remembered as one of the best teams. The 5x NBA champion was a crucial part of the team, motivating everyone around him. Bryant’s legendary work ethic and focus were infectious, setting a tone of intense preparation and commitment that pushed his fellow All-Stars to elevate their own games. Now, after 17 years, the Redeem Team will be inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame. And speaking of the roster, Mike Krzyzewski, the then coach, reflected on those days.
“I wish like crazy that Kobe was here because he was really the key guy I think because as many great players as we had at that point he was the greatest and everyone looked up to him and he certainly set a great example And USA basketball didn’t didn’t call itself the redeem team the media named it,” Coach K said.
Even after the Olympics, Coach K has always credited Bryant for his impact. He would tell stories of him from the Olympic days to NCAA teams to hype them up, and it worked. This is the great legacy that the late legend had.
Bryant was moved by how the coach encouraged the players, including him, to look beyond their individual accomplishments and toward the big win they would bring to the nation. “Coach K brought the pride of being an American back to the team. He brought in army vets and generals to speak with us and share their stories….That is the biggest impact,” the Los Angeles Lakers legend told ESPN.
To the former coach, there are two players from that roster who made a unique impression on him, Bryant and LeBron James.
Mike Krzyzewski spoke about the connection between Kobe Bryant and LeBron James
Coach K has always praised how these two veteran players were consistently ahead in both physical and mental preparation. At the time, James was emerging in the league, while Bryant had already established himself and was solidifying his position. While they were rivals, the two also had a brother-like relationship, and they further bonded during the 2008 and 2012 Olympic teams.
And former coach Mike might have seen how the two built a connection over time. Back in 2012, Krzyzewski shared a story about how he had to step in and mediate between James and Bryant during the 2008 Olympics, after LeBron took issue with Kobe’s shot selection.
“I told him (LeBron) I would take care of this… So, we were up all night as a staff trying to figure out how to handle this and I said give me his shots on a computer and I’ll have an individual meeting with Kobe. So I’m really apprehensive about having this meeting but I gotta do it, I said I’d take care of it,” he shared.
Bryant is known for his ability to make tough shots. He agreed with Coach K’s strategies, showing his understanding of what was necessary for team success. And he adjusted his game during the Olympics when playing alongside other stars. This was one part of the bigger story that led the Redeem Team to success.
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