Los Angeles, CA - The question regarding Michael Jordan’s heir apparent loomed over the basketball world for quite some time.  But now the real question is who will be Kobe Bryant’s apparent successor.  With his indomitable will, unstoppable fade away, and impeccable footwork, Kobe Bryant is greatness personified.

Now in his tenth season, Kobe Bryant has just begun to enter the prime years of his career.   People from every city across the nation fill the arenas just to see him play; and let us put it this way: he doesn’t disappoint. His seemingly inhuman domination dazzles fans and opponents alike, many times leaving them puzzled and scratching their heads in amazement. He has the innate ability to score at will on any defender and yet play hard on either end of the court.  Following a one year-hiatus from the playoffs in 2005, Kobe Bryant has returned from exile with a vengeance. He has single-handedly outscored opposing teams, effortlessly racked up countless 40-point games, and instilled fear in the hearts of those that oppose him. Just ask the Dallas Mavericks or the Toronto Raptors who it is that they fear.  The Raptors veteran guard Jalen Rose stayed up all night in his hotel room, unable to sleep after the events of the preceding evening.  That evening was January 22, 2006, the night Kobe Bryant exploded for an 81-point outburst, securing his place in history as one of the greatest scorers in the history of the game.  As Suns coach Mike D’antoni said recently “I don’t know what most valuable means, but he is the best player in the game, and it’s not even close.”

The most remarkable part of Bryant’s game is not his congenital god-given talent and skill, but rather his resolute mental toughness. After word broke out in the summer of 2003 that Kobe Bryant had been charged with sexual-assault, many wondered how this lawsuit would affect his image and the public’s perception of him.

The media and public’s reaction was filled with brutal animosity. Kobe went from being the league’s poster-child to being an adulterer convicted of rape. Kobe’s endorsements disappeared like a flock of migrating birds in the wintertime. Chant’s of “Rapist!” and “No means No!” followed him whenever he stepped foot on the court. An echoed chorus of “Kobe sucks!” would ensue every time he touched the ball. Never was the taunting worse than it was in Denver, Colorado, the state where the alleged incident took place.  Grown men in attendance, dressed in orange jumpsuits and shackles, perpetually heckled Bryant as he tried to play.  The perpetual booing and ridiculing eventually takes its toll on a man both mentally and emotionally, regardless of his will.  Bryant however amazed his peers and fans alike with his ability to compartmentalize his legal troubles and his game. Number eight made the transition from court to court so effortlessly. After a 4 AM flight to Eagle, Colorado and a full day in court, most people would be too tired to walk upright. Bryant on the other hand, would return to the Staples Center just in time for that evenings Lakers game and would perform like his usual self, nailing the game-winning jumper.

Using any negative criticism as fuel, Bryant has elevated his game to historic levels since the incident.  Already a three time champion, Kobe is not satisfied with the rings under his belt.  As he says in a recent issue of Dime Magazine, “The people who once celebrated me are the same people who doubt me now. They say that because I don’t have Shaq that I can’t win, that it’s over. People who try to discourage me only add fuel to a fire that has always burned. Now I am an underdog. A challenge was issued to me by everyone who said I would never succeed again, that I would never win another ring or enjoy another parade.  I accepted their challenge.  I accepted the doubt of everyone who spoke on my downfall and used their words as fuel.  I have a franchise to resurrect, a city of fans to uplift.”

As a junior in high school Bryant’s coaches told him that only one in a million kids his age makes it to the NBA.  Bryant was that one kid.

Not only has he battled and overcome a defaming sexual-assault lawsuit, he has restored his status as the game’s best player. We can only marvel at Kobe’s legendary work ethic, unparalleled skill, and mental toughness. For these reasons, Kobe Bryant is our choice for the 2006 Sports- figure Generation achievement award.