AUSTIN, Texas -- Kobe Bryant’s death on Sunday sent shockwaves across the nation, and the impact was definitely felt in Central Texas.

• Spurs played hours after the learning the news
• Held the ball during the 24 second shot clock
• John Altobelli played at the University of Houston

Just hours after learning of his passing, the Spurs had to play a game. During the game they honored a guy, that for year’s had been one of their biggest rivals, with a moment of silence. Both the Spurs and Raptors held the ball on their first possession for the entire 24 second shot clock, in respect to Kobe who wore number 24. After the game Spurs guard DeMar Derozan, who idolized Bryant while he was growing up in Los Angeles, offered some emotional words.

“Everything, everything I learned came from Kobe,” said DeRozan. “Take Kobe away and I wouldn’t be there, I wouldn’t have the love, passion and the drive.”

While many players in the NBA had a personal relationship with Bryant. The next generation of players like started watching NBA games when Bryant was still the most popular player in the league. Many guys at the University of Texas were at the facility when the news of the crash came down.

“Really sad day for the game of basketball and it’s been really moving for our players,” said UT basketball coach Shaka Smart. “They were really upset and still are.”

Bryant was one of nine people that died in the helicopter crash on Sunday. Among the others was John Altobelli, a college baseball coach in California who played a few years back in the 1980’s at the University of Houston. During that time he was teammates with current Texas baseball coach David Pierce. Pierce issued this statement on Monday.

“Yesterday, we lost a dear friend, his wife, and their daughter. Alto was special. We were roommates in college and have had the best relationship two old guys on opposite sides of the country could have. We’ve seen each other’s families grow and lives change for 35 years. He was so proud of his children—JJ, Lexi, and Alyssa. They were his world. 

I saw Alto earlier this month when he accepted his National Coach of the Year award. His impact in the baseball community was incredible. He changed the lives of countless ballplayers. He, Keri, and Alyssa will be missed by so many and at the end of the day, that’s what it’s about: Making teammates, players, coaches, coworkers, friends, and family better. Alto did just that.

Susan and I loved and will continue to love Alto and his family. I know many can say the same. My heart breaks for all those affected by yesterday’s tragedy. May they rest in peace.”