Kobe Bryant makes an appearance at NCAA West Regional semifinal game
Lakers guard Kobe Bryant arrives for a college basketball game between Oregon and Duke in the regional semifinals of the NCAA Tournament on Thursday.
When there’s a big event in town, it always seems to attract a surprise guest. That’s what happened during the 2016 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament West Regional Semifinal game between Duke and Oregon at the Honda Center on Thursday night.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant showed up in support of Duke Coach Mike Krzyzewski. Krzyzewski was Bryant’s U.S. Olympic Team coach, winning gold at the 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympics.
Shortly before tipoff, Bryant made his way to the Duke cheering section, exchanging handshakes and hugs with Krzyzewski’s wife and grandsons.
Bryant also met up with Oklahoma senior guard Buddy Hield during the first half of the game.
Former NBA player David Robinson, whose son plays for Duke, was in attendance, as was Apple CEO Tim Cook.
Bryant is playing his last year in the NBA and announced in mid-January that he will not be competing in the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
Connect with Eduardo Gonzalez on Twitter: @edmgonzalez
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