Kobe Bryant's Father Coaching Thai Youth Basketball, Sees 'Great Opportunity'

KOBE BRYANT's father, JOE BRYANT is "justifiably proud" of his son's achievements on the basketball court, but he is "just as thrilled to be helping Thailand youngsters," according to Tang Zhe of the CHINA DAILY. While coaching the Thailand men's basketball team at the third Asian Beach Games in the coastal city of Haiyang, Shandong province, the 57-year-old was "one of the most popular figures." Although the Thais "won only two of their six games and finished sixth in the event," Joe Bryant was not disappointed. He said, "I see a great opportunity for growth, especially for the young children --15, 16 years old, Thailand [basketball] has not been to the Olympics since 1956, so it's a challenge, and I like challenges" (CHINA DAILY, 7/13).