It might have been almost 3000 miles away, but Kobe Bryant's daughter, Gianna, had a strong connection with the UConn Huskies Women's basketball program and Coach Geno Auriemma.

Those hopes and dreams were cut way too short on Sunday (January 26), when the helicopter that she, her legendary father dad and seven others were traveling in crashed into a hillside in California, killing all on board. Ironically, they were en route to one of Gianna's travel basketball games, something that Kobe, who passed his love for the game on to his daughter, was always a part of.

He was also a part of her love for the UConn Women's Basketball program. In fact, Gianna Bryant, who was considered a very talented player in her own right, loved the Huskies so much, that she aspired to play there when she got to college.

According to wfsb.com, the up and coming athlete and her legendary father followed the Huskies together and even attended a game together last March, both wearing official UCONN gear.

Kobe was also a good friend of iconic Huskies basketball coach, Geno Auriemma. Bryant and Auriemma met at the 2012 Olympics and were sure to stay in touch over the years.

The team sent out a tweet Sunday night, expressing their deep sadness and shared how much both Kobe and his daughter meant to the program:

SNY was there in Stoors when Kobe and his daughter sat court side to catch the Huskies' women in action:

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