Jazzmen Mudiay, Oni Change Jersey Numbers To Honor Kobe Bryant
Jan 29, 2020, 7:33 PM | Updated: Jan 30, 2020, 8:49 pm
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Utah Jazz guards Emmanuel Mudiay and Miye Oni decided to change their jersey number from No. 8 and No. 24 out of respect for the late Kobe Bryant.
Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven others were killed in a Southern California helicopter crash on Sunday, January 26.
The former Los Angeles Lakers guard and future hall of fame player wore No. 8 and No. 24 on his jersey during his illustrious 20-year NBA career.
Mudiay will change his jersey from No. 8 to No. 15.
Emmanuel checks in with his new number đź’› pic.twitter.com/5dOvoEZGUf
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) January 31, 2020
Oni is changing his number from No. 24 to No. 81.
Cool to see both Emmanuel Mudiay (15) and Miye Oni (81) changing their numbers.
It’s a very self aware league, and always seems like there’s a lot of respect amongst the players for one another.
— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) January 30, 2020
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Mudiay and Oni are two of the many NBA players that have changed their jersey numbers in recent days to honor Bryant’s legacy and memory.
“We are shocked and saddened to learn about today’s tragedy involving Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna,” said the Miller family and Utah Jazz on Sunday after news broke of Bryant’s passing. “From the time he entered the league, Kobe was a generational talent and one of the most competitive players in the game. Many athletes in the NBA today grew up emulating Kobe. The impact he has made on our sport will not be forgotten. We respect his dedication to the game and unmatched work ethic. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kobe’s wife, Vanessa, their family and those close to them.”
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Oni becomes the first member of the Utah Jazz to wear No. 81.
Mudiay will become the second player to wear No. 15 this season. Stanton Kidd wore No. 15 before he was released by the Jazz in November 2019. Mudiay is the 11th player in Utah history to sport No. 15 on his jersey.
Other Jazzmen to wear No. 15 were Bud Stallworth (1975-77), Andre Wakefield (1980), Eric Johnson (1990), Corey Crowder (1992), Jamie Watson (1995-97), Danny Manning (2001), Matt Harpring (2003-09), Sundiata Gaines (2010), and Derrick Favors (2011-19).
