It's not all that typical for Kobe Bryant to be at a basketball game, or anywhere really, and not be the center of attention, but during Friday night's incredible semifinal games at the Women's Final Four, the retired legend was simply a witness to some amazing displays of athleticism, grit, dedication and just about every other positive word you can think of.
(OK, well, he's still Kobe, so he did get a huge ovation from the fans and appeared in more than a few crowd shots during the broadcast, but you know what I mean.)
A known UConn fan, Bryant was clearly bummed about the team's loss, but he handled it with class as he congratulated Arike Ogunbowale and Notre Dame on Twitter after the game.
Big time shot Arike! We are a @UConnWBB family but we love seeing great players making great plays. I know my lil sis @jewellloyd is happy Well done @ndwbb good luck on Sunday #mambamentality �� https://t.co/8DxHkNURN7
- Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) March 31, 2018
Despite having just won one of the biggest games of her life, Ogunbowale was quick to respond and revealed her life was now complete.
Wow, my life is complete. The GOAT ������ https://t.co/91wiItW0KN
- Arike Ogunbowale (@Arike_O) March 31, 2018
But Bryant responded in the most perfect way ever, and reminded her that her life was very much incomplete, because there was a game she might want to focus on later this weekend and all.
Nah... it's complete by finishing the job on Sunday @Arike_O #MambaMentality https://t.co/pvL95JCZHn
- Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) March 31, 2018
Touche, Kobe. Touche.
And Kobe couldn't let UConn's time at the Final Four end without tweeting about UConn's Kia Nurse and Gabby Williams, who he called two of his favorite Huskies of all time. (Sorry, Ray Allen)
Shoutout to two of my all time fav @UConnWBB players on the end of an amazing collegiate career @KayNurse11 @MochaTrapuccino ����
- Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) March 31, 2018
While Friday's loss was likely not how they wanted their collegiate careers to end, perhaps the shout-out from Kobe makes it just a little less awful.
See something entertaining on social media that you think deserves to be shared? Let me know on Twitter @darcymaine_espn.
