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Dutch NBA star Elson: “Kobe gave you a hand and then wanted one thing: win”

Francisco Elson (43 years, 2.13 meters) wrote history in 2007: as the first Dutch basketball player he became the NBA, the most prestigious basketball competition in the world, with the San Antonio Spurs.

‘Do not believe’

He still regularly thinks about his basketball period, but since yesterday the past is more present than ever. “My cousin called; that Kobe had died. I couldn’t believe it. Fake news, I thought.”

But when he saw the images of the helicopter crash it slowly dawned on him. “Terrible. My thoughts keep going to the NBA time. And to Kobe.”


Rotterdammer at the bucket in America

Elson, who grew up in Rotterdam-West, started playing basketball relatively late at the age of twelve. His brother was his big example. He died at a young age.

“That a boy from Rotterdam was allowed to take part in the American basketball competition is few given. I have always realized that,” says Elson.

“Losing wasn’t an option”

In the ten years that Elson played in the NBA, he played against Bryant several times. “We didn’t have long conversations. You shook hands and then you started playing.”

He continues: “Bryant saw the opponent as his enemy to be demolished. It was all about one thing: winning. Losing was not an option. His drive to win; it was not normal.”


“Best match”

Elson played his best game ever by chance against Bryant. “Kobe could hardly believe that we won. The game was over, the audience had already gone home, but he kept shooting.”

Typical of the American. “That willpower and perseverance; that man was unstoppable. He wanted to destroy his opponents. His team won so many times was because of him. Bryant was able to motivate everyone.”


Lionel Messi

The former basketball player compares the greatness of Bryant with Lionel Messi. “He was so determined: he wanted to win, something else was not an option. And he had an impact: he managed to get the rest of his team with his determination.

“He was unstoppable. He may have had a hundred injuries; but he went on. His Achilles tendon tore during a match. A normal player would stop immediately, but he went on.”

Knee injury

Elson stopped in 2014 due to a knee injury. He went back to the Netherlands, to his family and friends. Bryant stopped in April 2015, also due to injuries. With an unprecedented score of 60 points, he excelled in his last match.

Even after his career he remained a great example, says Elson. “He continued to share his knowledge and trained athletes, among others. He is living proof that if you work hard you can achieve almost everything. His motto will always live on.”


Entrepreneur Elson

Elson is now an entrepreneur. “I bring muscle care cream to the market. In America, that cream is number 1 among top athletes and it is also going well in our country.”

The former pro doesn’t have to do it for the money. “But I want to be busy, inspire people and above all: get people to work out.”


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