Josh Rodgers

[The Players’ Tribune @PlayersTribune]

Kobe Bryant was more than just @sabrina_i20’s friend — he was her mentor. In 2020, she wrote: “When I first heard the news about Kobe’s crash, it was hard not to start questioning things. It was just, like, HOW? How could this amazing father and husband be taken away from the world? How could someone as full of life as Gianna be taken away from the world before she even got to LIVE her life? How could nine people be snatched away from their loved ones — just like that, in a blink? How could we all be living in a world without Kobe Bryant??

How could I have lost my friend?

Kobe’s death also left me with some questions about my own path. What was I supposed to do now without his presence?? Without his guidance?? Who was I going to turn to for advice?? And then on top of those thoughts, I had these almost even “angrier” questions, you know?? Like: How could the world have brought me together with someone like Kobe, someone who understood me so well — maybe the first person in my life who truly got me on this deeper basketball level — only to then rip him out of my life after less than a year?! And why?! It just felt cruel. It still feels that way.

But as I’ve started to process some of my grief, I’ve begun to realize — even if it was only for this short time?? That Kobe and I, and our paths…. they connected for a reason. Not just because of the wisdom that he shared with me. Not just because of the friendship, and confidence, and support that he gave me. Not just because of the way that he made me a smarter teammate, and a tougher competitor, and a harder worker. Not just because of the promise that he recognized in me — as a player, and a leader, and a person. I think my path connected with Kobe’s because of a bigger picture.

Kobe always saw the bigger picture.

That was clear with everything he did in his life — but to me it was especially clear with the way that he looked at and treated the game of women’s basketball. He didn’t see growing the game with girls as his hobby, or as some side project, or as a charity case. He saw it as a movement. And he didn’t get involved because he just wanted to be a fan of our movement. He got involved because he wanted to be a part of it.

And that’s what I always loved so much about Kobe, and it’s one of the things that I hope people will remember about him. He didn’t care about your age, or your gender, or your background….. or any of that. Even your talent, at the end of the day, wasn’t what Kobe was there to judge. All that he cared about really was your love of the game. That was the test you had to pass with Kobe: Could you match him passion for passion when it came to hoops. If you could do that, then you had his respect.” https://t.co/0B3I6SXBAu

@nyliberty | @OregonWBB

[Mars Girls Youth Basketball @MGYBA_Hoops]

🏀 2026 Mars Girls Basketball Camp Week = Success💙💛

What a great week of basketball! Our girls spent the week learning from the Mars Varsity players and coaches, building skills, growing their confidence, making new friends, and most importantly… having fun!

A huge thank you to the Mars Girls Basketball program for investing in the next generation of Planets. Opportunities like this help inspire a love for the game and create memories that last long after camp ends.

We can’t wait to see these girls back on the court this season! 💙💛🏀 #MGYBA #MarsGirlsBasketball #FuturePlanets

[SLAAM Basketball 2032 @SLAAM2032Binion]

🎉 Happy Birthday to #4 Lily Haines!

Whether she’s competing on the court, hunting, or riding her quad, Lily brings toughness wherever she goes. Hope your day is filled with great memories, Time of Our Lives on repeat, and lots of birthday fun! 🎂🏀

#SLAAMFam #HappyBirthday #GirlsBasketball

[slaambasketball @SLAAMBASKETBALL]

SLAAM Basketball’s Elite Open Runs
Aug 23rd | All American Field House
We’re bringing together some of the top girls: PA, OH, MD, NJ, MD for one afternoon of high-level basketball.
SLAAM is always looking 4competitors who fit our culture. It’s an opportunity to compete & get noticed.

7th–8th 11AM–12:30 PM (40 Players)

High School 9th–11th
1:00 PM–3:00 PM (60 Players)

$30 Registration call/text 412-475-1294

Open to all players regardless of your current AAU team.

[Drew Schifino @drewfino15]

Before social media and viral highlights, reputations were built in packed gyms.

Over 25 years later, we look back at one of the WPIAL’s biggest guard matchups, the golden era of Pittsburgh hoops, and why that generation was different.

Q&A from Yuri

[SLAAM Basketball 2032 @SLAAM2032Binion]

Proud to have Coach Yuri pouring his experience, passion, and heart into the next generation of hoopers. 💚🩷

[Lindsey Demetris @linds_demetris]

Thanks, @drewfino15, for sharing a glimpse into your time hooping with Yuri. Really cool to read this.

It’s pretty special to watch that same dedication and love for the game get poured back into the kids he coaches at @MGYBA_Hoops and @SLAAM2032Binion. Proud of you, Yur. 🏀

[slaambasketball @SLAAMBASKETBALL]

Wouldn’t change this for the world 🏀

[Coach Mac 🏀 @BballCoachMac]

Players:

Appreciate when you find a coach that demands your best and holds you accountable.

[Tim Daoust @coachdaoust]

We lost an all time great. One of the greatest blessings of my life was starting my career under Coach Novak’s leadership. Coach showed the way everyday as he made a positive impact on more lives than he ever knew. Class, toughness, discipline, & love. You will be missed Coach

[JMB @JustinAdvises]

This team refused to let circumstances define them.

It was a tough July. Injuries piled up & adversity seemed to follow us every weekend, but these girls never stopped competing at a high level. Every time they stepped on the court, they battled, stayed together, & left everything on the floor.

I’m so proud of this group. The future is bright for every one of them!

[Pitt Basketball @Pitt_WBB]

Best week of the summer 🏀

Thank you to all of our campers for an incredible week! 🔵🟡

[Marsha Frese @CoachFrese]

Elite teams move the ball. Elite teams share the ball. Players that stall the ball stand out. And not in a good way.

[slaambasketball @SLAAMBASKETBALL]

Clutch moments define big-time players. 😤

@2028bprosser delivered, sinking the game-winning free throw in a thrilling double-overtime battle for @SLAAM2028Binion (P24).

@SelectEventsBB
@JustinAdvises

#SLAAMFam #GirlsBasketball #AAUBasketball #Hoops #PlayerOfTheGame

[John anke @Johnanke1]

SLAAMFAM 2032 enjoyed the camp, thanks @Pitt_WBB; Hail to Pitt! @ReaganAnke

@SLAAM2032Binion @SLAAMBASKETBALL

[slaambasketball @SLAAMBASKETBALL]

👏👏👏 finish strong this weekend @Emma_Meyer12

[SLAAM Basketball 2032 @SLAAM2032Binion]

@PYBL412 We 👀 you Leona and @JazzyGunn 🩷💚

[SLAAM Basketball 2032 @SLAAM2032Binion]

Season complete. 💚🩷

SLAAM 2032 Binion finished with a 4-0 weekend at the @SelectEventsBB Super Showcase.

🏆 3 Championships
🏀 30 Wins
🌎 14 States Competed Against
🚗 3,041 Miles Traveled
🎥 1,875,990 Instagram Views
💯 1,549 Points Scored
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 10 Families. All In.
💚 ~45 Family Members in the Stands Every Weekend.

What a season.

@SLAAMBASKETBALL
@JustinAdvises
@Nmars3ball

#SLAAMFam #GirlsBasketball #AAUBasketball #SLAAM2032Binion #TheStandardIsDifferent

[slaambasketball @SLAAMBASKETBALL]

Parents be like….. 😂

[SLAAM Basketball 2032 @SLAAM2032Binion]

Happy Birthday to Coach! 👏

Every team needs someone who shows up, puts in the work, and never loses sight of what matters most- the development of the players. Coach brings that commitment to every practice, every game, and every conversation.

Thank you for everything you do for this team. We hope you have a great birthday!

#SLAAMFam #GirlsBasketball #AAUBasketball #BasketballCoach #PlayerDevelopment