Kobe Bryant's Tour Of Asia

SI Staff | Sep 15, 2006

Kobe Bryant's Tour Of Asia

Tokyo

AP

Kobe Bryant's first stop in his five-city "81 Asia Tour" in early September was in Tokyo, where he held a basketball clinic for youngsters. As he soon found out, a behind-the-back pass is appreciated just as much in Japan as in the U.S.

Tokyo

AP

Kobe held a 90-minute basketball clinic for the kids, with a couple of giddy schoolgirls among the 150-plus students in attendance.

Hong Kong

In Los Angeles, Kobe isn't too far from the original Disneyland, so he probably enjoyed seeing some familiar faces (Mickey and Minnie, for instance) at the Hong Kong Disneyland. It's a small world, after all.

Hong Kong

AP

It's not easy to drive on Kobe, no matter what court he plays on.

Hong Kong

AP

Will one of these youngsters one day make it to the NBA?

Taipei

AP

Perhaps the next time Kobe's Lakers redesign their jerseys, it can incorporate some of the traditional aborigine clothing worn by these students.

Seoul

AP

It's all about the fundamentals, as Kobe teaches these South Korea students how to improve their dribbling skills. "It's not about where you're from," Kobe said during his trip. "It's about your practice and effort."

Seoul

AP

Everybody wanted a piece of Kobe during his week-long journey in Asia.

Beijing

Kobe called the basketball atmosphere in China "awesome. Yao Ming opened the door ... I look forward to seeing more Chinese players in the NBA."