Against all odds: A Special Dragan Bender Imagine

Against All Odds

In loving memory of Kobe and Gianna Bryant. Living on forever in our hearts and forever inspiring me to one day be a star.

Barclays Center

New York City, New York

2024 NBA Draft

We begin in the point of view of Dragan

So many great pics tonight. I'm ever so glad and thankful that Adam invited my beautiful Kezzy and I to join them tonight. To witness this draft. Wheater Keziah gets drafted today or not, I know that Kobe and Gianna would be ever so proud of her. Of both of us. I remember that day all to well.....

All too well....

January 26th, 2020

Central Washington University

Kamola Hall

Lounge 230

Keziah POV

As I sit in the lounge doing some studying for Law and Justice class, I can't help feeling something is off. Like this world is missing something. Someone. Just then I hear the familliar Boodoop of a Discord notification from one of the many NBA discord servers I'm in. I picked up my phone and see RIP KOBE DEAD AT 41. Haha very funny I sarcastically thought to myself as I googled it just to make sure that they were trolling me as they always did. They weren't. To this day I wish they were. I wish Kobe and Gianna were still here. It had already been confirmed. I fell to my knees and screamed his name until the RA's came in and checked on me.

Back at the Draft

Dragan POV

"Before we get started tonight, I would like to take the time, to recognize an amazing woman that is here tonight in honor of Kobe and Gianna Bryant." Adam Silver takes the stand and announces. I know exactly who this is. My Keziah.

"This significant young woman, was just a student at Central Washington University, on that devastating Sunday, when she received the news, of Kobe and Gianna's tragic passing. She fell to the floor and had a severe anxiety attack from the grief she felt, and then Kobe gave her the strength to get up, and attend class the next morning. Since then, she has only strived and lived to honor both Kobe and Gianna, despite suffering her whole life, with mild high functioning Autism, and Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder. She started by honoring Kobe by working out for an hour a day, and then she made her way up to the CWU Womans basketball Team in 2021. She has exceled both on and off the court, living to love and strive against all odds, and earned the nickname 'Spirit of Gianna'. She graduated this year with the CWU class of 2024, with degrees in Aviation Management, Anthropology, and Sexual Studies. Her story caught the attention and affection of former 4th pick from the 2016 NBA Draft, Dragan Bender, and I believe Kobe had a strong hand in play when he brought them together in marriage earlier this year."

Wow. I am so proud of her. I love her so much. I'm so proud of her. I know what's coming next.

"With all of that being said, I am honored to announce, that with the first pick of the 2024 NBA Draft,

I feel Keziah squeeze my hand nervously. She worked so hard for 4 long years, and fought through many anxiety attacks and many tears of frustration. This is what she has worked her life towards.

"The Milwaukee Bucks select, Keziah Gianna Bender."

I embrace my Kezzy in a nice long affectionate hug and before we know it, we are both crying tears of joy and gratitude. As Keziah climbs on that stage and gives Adam a nice big bear hug as they both cry.

Adam Silver POV

This woman is Gianna in spirit. I know it. I see Gianna in her eyes. Her personality lights up this whole center. She overcame so much and she couldn't have done any of it without the support of Dragan and the spirits of Kobe and Gianna. Reading her story almost had me in tears. As I embrace her, I let the tears fall and cry with her. I whisper in her ear "Kobe would be so proud of you". I let her go and collect her jersey. A big 2 on the back in Gianna's honor. I can't wait to see what she brings to the Bucks.

Whelp! That's it! Thanks for reading.