VIDEO: WNBA Makes Gianna Bryant, Alyssa Altobelli and Payton Chester Honorary Selections Before 2020 Draft
By Jerry Trotta
The best and brightest of women's college basketball will shine on Friday at the 2020 WNBA Draft. Before things get underway, however, the WNBA offered up an incredible tribute to Gianna Bryant, Payton Chester and Alyssa Altobelli, all of whom tragically died in a January helicopter crash that also claimed the life of basketball legend Kobe Bryant. The three girls were named honorary draft picks by WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
The WNBA honors Alyssa Altobelli, Gianna Bryant and Payton Chester and makes them honorary draft picks at WNBA draft pic.twitter.com/wqsntNNzDe
— gifdsports (@gifdsports) April 17, 2020
Absolutely heartwarming.
Vanessa Bryant also thanked the WNBA for their thoughtful gesture.
Vanessa Bryant announces Gigi as one of this year's WNBA honorary draft picks. Her teammates were also honored by the league tonight. pic.twitter.com/psFow7PRtk
— Lakers Outsiders (@LakersOutsiders) April 17, 2020
It's expected that Bryant, Chester and Altobelli will be honored as rising stars in women's basketball, and rightfully so.
Of course, we all remember that the three girls -- along with Kobe, Alyssa's parents John and Keri, Chester's mom Sarah, Christina Mauser, and pilot Ara Zobayan -- were on their way to an AAU game at the Mamba Sports Academy in Southern California at the time of the crash.
Gianna Bryant, Alyssa Altobelli and Payton Chester will be honorary selections in tonight's WNBA draft, according to Vanessa Bryant. https://t.co/EztkOXwuUa
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 17, 2020
These girls lived and breathed basketball, and to see the WNBA honor them on one of the sport's most notable nights is the incredible support these families need right now.