Phoenix Suns superstar point guard has long been known for giving back to the game he loves. On Sunday, it was announced that the 12-time All-Star is the first ever recipient of the Kobe and Gigi Bryant WNBA Advocacy Award.
Suns’ All-Star Chris Paul has been named the first ever Kobe & Gigi Bryant WNBA Advocacy Award for contributions to the advancement of girls’ and women’s basketball, and advocacy for the WNBA. Vanessa Bryant and WNBA will present Paul with the award tonight.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 20, 2022
This award is dedicated to the person whose contributions went above and beyond to help the advancement of girls' and women's basketball, and advocacy for the WNBA. This is the inaugural season for this award. It is something that the late, great Kobe Bryant held dearly in his heart.
Bryant became a vocal leader in helping the advancement of girls' and women's basketball. He coached his daughter, Gianna, and her AAU basketball team. Bryant was also the face of the Mamba Sports Academy. The academy focused on mental and physical training for all athletes, skill levels, sex and ages.
Chris Paul, according the Shams Charania, will receive the award Sunday night. The Suns point guard will be presented the award by Vanessa Bryant and the WNBA President, Cathy Engelbert.
Paul has long been known as a strong supporter for women's basketball and the WNBA. Whether that was attending WNBA games regularly, using his public status to highlight the accomplishments of women in the sport, or showing support for youth girls' games, the Suns superstar is a deserving recipient.
Engelbert highlighted why she firmly believes Paul was the right choice. “I have seen first-hand Chris’ appreciation of the WNBA and the game at every level for women and girls, especially in Phoenix and North Carolina, and his ardent support of our game strongly reflects the legacy of Kobe and Gigi,” Engelbert said.
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