Kobe Bryant Found Texas Commit Amalia Holguin at 9, Now She’s The Last “Mamba”

Before the world lost Kobe Bryant, he was building the future of basketball through his Mamba Academy. Amalia Holguin, a University of Texas commit coming off a 61-point senior night, was one of the players he personally discovered and developed, starting at just nine years old. In this Sports Illustrated digital cover video feature, Amalia shares untold stories about being coached by Kobe, the Mamba mentality he instilled, and how he brought in stars like Kyrie Irving and top WNBA players to train with his team. Amalia also shares unforgettable moments like team bus rides where Kobe led Beyoncé singalongs. As the last player from Kobe’s Mambas, Holguin reflects on legacy, loss, and her journey toward college basketball and the WNBA while carrying forward everything she learned from one of the greatest to ever do it. 0:00 – Intro 0:10 – Amalia Holguin on Being Chosen by Kobe Bryant 1:01 – Amalia Holguin on Watching Kobe Bryant Growing Up 1:26 – Kobe Bryant Discovers Amalia Holguin After a Game 2:06 – Amalia Holguin Joins Kobe’s Mambas Team 2:31 – Amalia Holguin on Kobe Bryant’s Coaching Style & Standards 3:09 – Amalia Holguin on Team Culture & Beyoncé Bus Singalongs 3:22 – Amalia Holguin Meets Kyrie Irving & WNBA Stars at Practice 3:39 – Amalia Holguin on Kobe Bryant’s Training Philosophy 4:15 – Amalia Holguin on Carrying the Mamba Legacy Forward 4:50 – Amalia Holguin on Kobe Bryant’s 5-Year Plan 5:07 – Kobe's insane dedication to never losing to a rival team again 6:20 – Amalia Holguin Breaks Down Her Playing Style 6:54 – Amalia Holguin Reflects on Her 61-Point Senior Night 7:21 – Amalia Holguin Shares Personal Memories of Kobe 8:03 – Amalia Holguin on the Mamba Mentality 9:03 – Amalia Holguin Playing for Kobe & Gianna Bryant 9:52 – Amalia Holguin on Inspiring the Next Generation ______________________ Executive Producer: Alex Tzavalas Director/Producer: Greg Cally Director of Photography: Snyder Derival Cinematographers: Lawrence Ojugbeli & Taylor Ballantyne Editor: Max Whittle