Published 15:34 IST, April 18th 2020

Vanessa Bryant thanks WNBA for honouring daughter Gianna Bryant at 2020 draft

Kobe Bryant's wife Vanessa Bryant expressed her appreciation for WNBA for their special tribute to Gianna Bryant. Gianna was named as an honorary draft pick.

Reported by: Sujay Chakraborty
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WNBA paid tribute to Kobe and Vanessa Bryant's daughter Gianna during WNBA 2020 Draft. While it was expected that  women's basketball league would hour victims of tragic helicopter crash on January 26, t many h idea of WNBA's plans. As a part of ir special tribute, WNBA commissioner kicked off Draft by anuncing three horary picks - Alyssa Altobelli, Payton Chester, and Gianna Bryant, who were all killed in  helicopter crash along with basketball legend Kobe Bryant.

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WNBA 2020 Draft: Horary picks - Gianna Bryant and ors

Kobe Bryant's wife Vanessa Bryant was particularly touched by WNBA's special tribute as she instantly took to Instagram to express her thoughts on anuncement. Vanessa Bryant posted a string of pictures and videos on Instagram where she lauded WNBA while also remembering her daughter on this special occasion. One such post featured a picture of Gianna Bryant's . 2 jersey with caption, 'Gianna Maria-Or’e Bryant, You did it! Mommy’s proud and happy for you Mamacita!'

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In a subsequent post, Vanessa Bryant shared a short video where she applauded WNBA's tribute to Gianna Bryant, Alyssa Altobelli and Payton Chester. Donning Kobe Bryant's orange hoodie, Bryant said, "It would have been a dream come true for her. She worked tirelessly every single day. She wanted to be one of greatest athletes of all-time, just like her ddy. So thank you, thank you for houring my little girl."

“This is his sweatshirt. Thank you. I want to congratulate all of this year’s draft picks. So congratulations, work hard. Never settle. Use that Mamba Mentality," she ded.

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Vanessa Bryant Instagram post

WNBA 2020 Draft: Sabrina Ionescu goes . 1

virtually held WNBA 2020 Draft saw Sabrina Ionescu being drafted as . 1 pick by New York Liberty. Sabrina Ionescu's University of Oregon teammate Satou Sabally was drafted at . 2 by Dallas Wings. 

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In dition to horary draft picks, WNBA also anunced Kobe & Gigi Bryant WNBA vocacy Award. first recipient will be awarded by Vanessa Bryant during 2021 NBA All-Star weekend.

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15:34 IST, April 18th 2020