There are always people that appear larger than life. These people are seen as a symbol and everyone, even their peers, admire them.

The late basketball legend Kobe Bryant was one of those people — he was larger than just the game.

Bryant was renowned for not just the highlight plays, accomplishments and records, but for the work he put in every day at practice. He would often stay for hours after others had gone home to perfect his skills.

Idaho Women’s Basketball Head Coach Jon Newlee always admired Bryant, preaching his commitment to the sport to the teams he’s coached.

“I just gave our team his book, ‘The Mamba Mentality’, right after Christmas break,” Newlee said. “I always reference (Bryant’s) work ethic and his killer instinct; his ability to close games out.”

Bryant’s “Mamba Mentality” was a signature catchphrase that encapsulated the mindset of locking into your goals and never stopping until they are reached.

When the news broke on Jan. 26 that Bryant, his daughter and seven others died in a helicopter crash in California, it shocked Newlee and the world.

“(It was) so tragic. It was crushing news for me,” Newlee said. “Heartbreaking for me and millions of people. Just because I think everybody did admire (Bryant’s) ‘Mamba Mentality’ and the things he brought, not just on the court, but off the court as well.”

The untimely passing of the 41-year-old former NBA legend has left a hole in the hearts of millions who grew up watching the Black Mamba dominate the league.

“Growing up in Southern California, for 20 years, (Bryant) was my guy, I watched the Lakers as a kid. I’ve watched him my whole life,” Newlee said. “When I found out it was true, just my heart was broken for him, his family.”

The day after his passing, many honored Bryant’s life and career during games.

Idaho Men’s Basketball senior guard Trevon Allen wore a pair of Bryant’s shoes. The message “R.I.P 24” was written on the heel, along with several other teammates as respect to Bryant.

Bryant’s passion for the game and willingness to inspire others drove players like men’s basketball sophomore center Jack Wilson through life’s toughest obstacles.

“When I was out on my injury, I was constantly just watching Kobe videos,” Wilson said. “His motivational talks, his workouts, anything just to stay in love with the game.”

Newlee had the chance to witness Bryant workout first-hand while coaching in Hawaii, watching Bryant perfect the smallest things and shooting hundreds of shots after practice had been long over.

That work ethic drove Bryant to finish his career as third on the NBA all-time scoring list and labeled one of the clutches athletes ever seen in sports.

Bryant will always be remembered in the hearts of fans everywhere and will be missed by the sports world for everything he lived by: love for the game, love for the work, love for family and everyone close to you.

Zack Kellogg can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @kellogg_zack.