Jett Washington looked into Crypto.com Arena on Saturday afternoon and saw his uncle Kobe Bryant's jersey. Talk about inspiring a high school sophomore.
Washington scored 33 points for Las Vegas' Bishop Gorman High in an 82-81 overtime loss to San Francisco Riordan in the Coastal Catholic Classic exhibition event. He hit a three-pointer before the buzzer sounded in regulation to tie the score. His 33 points are the same as Bryant's jersey number in high school. Washington's mother is Kobe's sister.
Washington is 6-foot-5 and is an elite athlete. He was a safety for Bishop Gorman's undefeated football team and his performance Saturday showed he has basketball skills as well.
“It means a lot to play in the house he built and play in the place he played,” Washington said.
Coach Grant Rice said Bishop Gorman's appearance at Crypto.com Arena was important for Washington.
“When they first approached us to play here, we didn’t want to miss it,” he said. “We weren't thinking about Jett, but it's an added bonus for him to get the opportunity to come back here where his uncle played and he's a big figure in L.A. It's amazing.”
The game was one of six games as part of the Coastal Catholic Classic featuring Catholic high school basketball teams.
