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| The MPBL decided to spare 24 seconds per team to pay tribute to Kobe Bryant as well. Mike Romero (file photo) |
MANILA—The whole world took notice when Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash in the United States early Monday (Philippine Time) as well as how the NBA paid tribute to him during the eight games scheduled for the day.
At least one other country, the Philippines, emulated the NBA tribute.
The MPBL teams that were in action on Monday at the Ynares Center decided to dedicate a shotclock violation too to honor Bryant, who wore #24 for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Muntinlupa and Caloocan first paid tribute to Bryant as both teams opted to run out the 24 seconds on the shotclock. Iloilo and Biñan City followed suit in the second game as well as Basilan in the main game of the triple-header.
The home team, Rizal, took a different approach and decided to concede an eight-second backcourt violation to pay tribute to Bryant's #8 jersey.
Some players also wrote some dedications to Bryant on their shoes.
Prior to each game, the MPBL also asked everyone to render a moment of silence for him.
Prior to each game, the MPBL also asked everyone to render a moment of silence for him.
Earlier in the day, MPBL founder Manny Pacquiao, upon learning about Bryant's untimely death, tweeted, "The world lost a legend today, but the impact and legacy he leaves behind will last forever."
The world lost a legend today but the impact and legacy he leaves behind will last forever! #RIPMamba pic.twitter.com/Sp56zAvrht
— Manny Pacquiao (@MannyPacquiao) January 26, 2020
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