Vince Carter served as source of motivation for Lakers’ Kobe Bryant

Posted Feb 26, 2016
They played together on the AAU circuit. They have remained two of the last few players still standing among their contemporaries. And they became linked partly because of Kobe Bryant’s high school coach. Lower Merion High coach Gregg Downer invoked Vince Carter’s name to motivate Bryant. “I enjoyed playing against him every time,” Bryant said of Carter. “I loved it.” (Los Angeles Daily News)

Related: Basketball, Basketball Recruiting

Video: Locked On Tar Heels - UNC Basketball's Defense-First Blueprint
UNC Basketball sets its sights on a renewed identity as Coach Michael Malone unveils his blueprint focused on defense, rebounding, fast-paced transitions, and ball movement...
Fri Sep 11, 2026

Carolina Insider Podcast: Full Basketball Schedule, UNC Football vs. ETSU Preview, Lee Pace Joins
UNC Football begins its 100th season in Kenan Stadium by hosting ETSU. Jones Angell and Adam Lucas preview the matchup (4:43). Tar Heel Basketball released...
Fri Sep 11, 2026

Video: IC Podcast - UNC Basketball's Elite Recruiting Needs
Basketball recruiting analyst Rob Harrington and Tommy Ashley of Inside Carolina discuss UNC Basketball's in-state recruiting efforts with CJ Rosser and DeMarcus Henry. Both hail...
Thu Sep 10, 2026

UNC Basketball schedule, ACC games to circle in Michael Malone's first season
Seth Trimble, a four-year guard for the Tar Heels who is using a fifth season of eligibility at Louisville, will return to Chapel Hill as...
Thu Sep 10, 2026