Kobe Bryant lives on through kids named after him

Though gone, NBA legend Kobe Bryant lives on through his fans.

Just his first name would already make anyone think of the legendary basketball player who burned with passion and determination so bright he left a visible mark on the world.

This may be the reason why some fans of the late Black Mamba chose to name their children after him.

Kobe Ronquillo, whose father was a big Bryant fan, said the basketball legend is idol material, according to Oscar Oida's Tuesday report on 24 Oras.

"Nakakabilib lang po kasi yung focus niya sa training na talagang lumalaban po siya kahit ilang beses po siya natatatalo, nahihigitan ng kahit na sino lumalaban parin po siya," Ronquillo said.

Meanwhile, 19-year-old Kobe Jimenez not only shares Bryant's name but his birthday as well.

"Sobrang naging inspirasyon po siya sa akin kasi, 'yung the way po siya maglaro, 'yung work ethic niya, 'yung passion niya sa paglalaro, sobrang gustong-gusto ko gayahin," Jimenez said.

Even the jersey's in Jimenez's collection are either numbered 8 or 24—Bryant's numbers during his 20-season career with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Another namesake is not really a basketball fan: for Kobe Silvestre, his passion is music.

"Ine-expect nila na nagba-basketball ako. Every Friday, may laro. Ang ginagawa ko nag tatago ako sa classroom dahil ayaw ko talaga mag bastketball," Silvestre said.

All three were born during the years when Bryant helped steer the Lakers to their NBA championships in the late 90s and early 00s.

And then, of course, there's Kobe Paras, the son of PBA legend Benjie Paras and a rising basketball player in his own right.

"Natatandaan ko nanonood ako sa LA nung game nila against Seattle. Grabe dumunk si Kobe. Talagang, ano siya, crowd entertainer. The following year, pinangalan ko agad yung anak ko sa kanya," Paras said.

Bryant died in a helicopter crash on Sunday with his daughter, Gianna, and 7 others. — Joahna Lei Casilao/BM, GMA News