I don't like to place a spotlight on tragedy but I’ve asked MIA to keep Kobe’s portrait, with his beautiful face and fierce eyes, as the first illustration in this Sports Illustration portfolio. It's my way of thanking Kobe for being one of my heroes ever since I first met him in 1998.
Kobe's portrait was the opening illustration in my portfolio over a year before his untimely death. I always considered it the best in my series of basketball player illustrations. He was always the "villain" as I'm a Celtics fan and his Lakers were the "enemy" yet Kobe was the kind of villain for whom I'd root no matter the team.
Mauro Mazzara
When It’s Not About Art, It’s About Sports at Milan Illustrations Agency.
MIA hopes to partner with the National Alliance on Mental Illness and NBA Cares to create sports illustrations for merchandise that promotes mental wellness through inclusive basketball.
Our award-winning sports illustrators are players as well as coaches who wholeheartedly support the inclusive basketball community.