Cambage: 'Kobe was my idol, mentor and my friend'

BOURGES (France) - She may be one of the icons of the women's game herself, but Opals' star Liz Cambage has revealed how she truly idolized the late Kobe Bryant and it still trying to come to terms with recent events.

Speaking at the FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Bourges where she is trying to propel Australia to a place in Tokyo later this year, Cambage has lifted the lid on her sorrow in the wake of the tragic accident which took the lives of several people, including Bryant and his daughter, Gigi.

"Kobe was my idol, my mentor and my friend," she revealed.

“HE WAS EVERYTHING I WANTED TO BE AND HE'S WHY I PLAY WITH SO MUCH PASSION." - Cambage

"It's still something I haven't really processed - the death of Kobe, Gigi and everyone else that was in the helicopter.

"I was lucky that I did have a relationship with my idol. I met him a year ago when he came to our first game of the season in the WNBA in Vegas. I am lucky that from then on, I got to develop a very special relationship.

"I was actually on court with him two weeks before his death and I am so lucky that I got to learn from my legend, from my idol. Someone who cared about me and cared about the women's game and the evolution of the game.

"I WENT AND GOT KOBE'S LOGO TAG TATTOOED STRAIGHT AWAY. HIS SHOES WERE ALL I WORE GROWING UP." - Cambage

 "I also think Gigi was about to be the next best thing. Probably the best female basketball player ever. It's absolutely heartbreaking.

"I went and got Kobe's logo tag tattooed straight away. His shoes were all I wore growing up. He was everything I wanted to be and he's why I play with so much passion and try to be a guard and shoot the three in tough situations - it's because of him."

The center also insisted that stepping out onto the basketball floor had new meaning with the lives of up-and-coming basketball players having been lost.

She added: "We do it for them - for the girls who will never see the light of day again. Watching footage of the girls getting out there on the court inspired me, because when I was young like that, I was just there to have fun.

"They were out there so young and working to be the best and leaving their heart and soul out on the court.

"The youth these days really inspires me and from now on, I go out and play for the girls that will never get an opportunity to play again because their lives were tragically taken so young."

"I DON'T WANT ANY KIDS DUNKING ON ME... IT'S JUST NATURALLY HAPPENING - THE GAME IS EVOLVING." - Cambage

Cambage is well known for her own capacity to inspire young players around the world. From her sensational numbers and highlights - both in the WNBA and for Australia, as well as that viral dunk at the 2012 London Olympics, she is always on the radar.

And, she keeps a keen eye on how the new generation is shaping the future of the sport.

"It's getting bigger and better, the style of play," she declared.

"You see girls in college and high school, the videos of them dunking on the fast break. I am going to be happy I am going to be out of the league by the time they get there.

"I don't want any kids dunking on me," joked Cambage.

"It's just naturally happening - the game is evolving."

One lesson any rising stars could learn from Cambage is how she may impose herself in the paint as well as any female player in history - but she is always pressing for new ways to gain an edge.

She said: "I think I am a very diverse player and clearly my height and being close to the basket is my strongest point.

"But what differs my game from every other post player is that I want to push myself to be the best at everything I do. I am always working on my jumpers, my three-pointers, dribbling and one-bounce moves after practice."

All of those things have already been on show in Bourges as Australia look to get the job done and continue their stunning run of Olympic appearances. Cambage put up a spectacular 19 points and 20 in their opener with France, although wasn't able to avoid a 72-63 setback.

What was clear is that the appetite for Cambage representing her nation has certainly not waned and she is relishing the test.

"My favorite thing is just getting a chance to be with my girls and bettering ourselves every day," she continued.

"We have got such a great group of girls. It is exciting to wake up when I am with them and to go to work. Just being around my team and wearing the green and gold.

"We're a very together team, a very close bunch of girls. Also we play with a lot of heart. Every time I represent my country is an honor."

FIBA