Basketball legend Kobe Bryant has been an icon for future generations of players, inspiring countless young players with his dedication and hard work. Even after his untimely death, his wife, Vanessa Bryant, is still working to keep his legacy inspiring future generations.

Recently, NCAA rising star and Louisiana State University (LSU) forward Angel Reese expressed his support for Kobe and Vanessa in a video and praised Vanessa's outstanding work with the Mamba Mambacita Sports Foundation.

Rizzi said in the video, "Kobe Bryant, we really love you and miss you so much. Vanessa, everything you and the Mamba Foundation do is amazing and we really appreciate it and love you. Thank you for reaching out to LSU specifically and gifting us these amazing peripherals."

It's worth noting that LSU is one of six schools that have partnered with Mamba and the Mamba Chita Sports Foundation prior to the 2023-24 season. In addition to LSU, the University of Connecticut, University of Southern California, University of Oregon, Duke University and University of Kentucky have joined the Mamba project to honour the 18-time NBA All-Star. Additionally, Rizzi is one of the few players to wear Kobe and Gigi's special edition sneakers throughout the season, and Nike is the athletic department sponsor for all of those universities.

In 2020, Vanessa changed the name of the Kobe Mamba Foundation to the Mamba and Mamba Basta Sports Foundation following the tragic deaths of Kobe and his daughter Gigi. The foundation's website states, "This is a non-profit organisation dedicated to creating a positive impact on underserved athletes and the boys and girls who participate in sports through the vision and love of Kobe and Gianna 'Gigi' Bryant."

There is no doubt that Kobe is one of the sport's greatest ambassadors. His legendary spirit thrives in the college basketball community as an inspiration to fans. The active involvement of up-and-comers like Rich in his foundation is further evidence of the NBA legend's profound impact on the game of basketball.