Candace Parker, the WNBA star and basketball icon, recently took on a mentorship role with Bianka Bryant, the daughter of the late Kobe Bryant. Bianka, who is just 7 years old, has already shown great promise on the basketball court, inheriting her father’s competitive spirit and her mother’s athleticism. Parker, known for her skill, leadership, and basketball IQ, has become a guiding figure in Bianka’s early development in the sport.
Parker and Kobe shared a strong mutual respect, with Candace often praising Kobe’s insight into the game. After Kobe’s tragic passing in 2020, Parker has maintained a close connection with his family, particularly his daughters. She recognizes Bianka’s potential and, as a mother herself, understands the responsibility of supporting a young athlete in the spotlight.
Training Bianka, Parker emphasizes foundational skills, court awareness, and the mental toughness that Kobe instilled in his daughters. She has also spoken about how the Bryant family’s approach to basketball goes beyond just physical ability. Kobe, a relentless perfectionist, would often focus on mindset, preparation, and how to handle adversity. Parker has adopted this philosophy in her mentorship, teaching Bianka how to approach the game with confidence and resilience.
Though Bianka is still very young, Parker’s influence is evident in her growing understanding of the game. The two share a special bond built on trust and a shared love for basketball. Parker’s role as a mentor and role model is not just about teaching skills, but about instilling values and the sense of discipline and dedication that made Kobe Bryant a legend.
For Bianka, the lessons learned from Candace Parker are more than just basketball techniques—they are about carrying on a legacy. As Bianka grows, it will be exciting to watch how Parker’s guidance shapes her development, not just as an athlete, but as a person.
