Kobe Bryant may have retired from NBA two years ago but the 40 year-old is still taking the time to pay homage to his high school teacher Mr Fisk for leaving him with a mantra that he would use throughout his prolific career.
English teacher left a lasting impression on Bryant
As he reflected on his time at high school over two decades ago, he recalled his English teacher’s influence in his overall attitude, saying: “He had a great quote: ‘Rest at the end, not in the middle’; that’s something I always live by.”
Bryant the record-breaker
Bryant graduated from Lower Merion High School and went on to achieve remarkable things as a NBA player. From getting drafted in 1996 to eventually calling it a day in 2016, Bryant became a NBA legend and his twenty years with LA Lakers holds the joint record for longest number of seasons with one club (Dirk Nowitzki being the other player).
His other records include the most All-Star Game MVP awards, with four awards tying him with Bob Pettit. He also holds the record for Most All-NBA Total Selections (15) and Most All-NBA First Team honors (11). His list of honors and achievements go on and on, as he firmly earned himself NBA legend status.
Kobe Bryant wins an Oscar!
Since retiring from the game, Bryant has shown he has more strings to his bow and has ventured into the world of film production, adding to his already impressive trophy cabinet with an Oscar! He produced the ‘Best Animated Short Film’ with his work on the film titled Dear Basketball.
For some players, reaching the end of their NBA career is a time to rest and have some time out. Not for Bryant, who defiantly claims: “I’m not going to rest. I’m going to keep on pushing now.” Those wise words from his high school English teacher are still driving him on, all these years later.
