IN PICS: Aaliyah Chavez shares heartfelt moment receiving Kobe Bryant tribute from parents

Aaliyah Chavez, the top-ranked prospect in the Class of 2025 women's basketball, shared a touching moment on Instagram when her parents gifted her a painting of Kobe Bryant alongside her own image. The thoughtful portrait also featured one of Kobe’s famous quotes:

"I have nothing in common with lazy people who blame others for their lack of success. Great things come from hard work and perseverance. No excuses."

Aaliyah posted snaps of the painting and a video of her opening the gift on Instagram on Sunday. She expressed her gratitude in the caption:

"Thank you mom and dad for this amazing picture."

This special tribute is significant for Chavez, who deeply connects to Kobe’s legacy. Chavez often credits her dad as her biggest inspiration. However, in a Naismith Q&A earlier this month, she also named two NBA legends who influenced her game.

"Allen Iverson and Kobe Bryant,” she said.

Chavez participated in the second Mamba League Invitational, a two-day tournament in Los Angeles held in honor of Bryant, where she won the MVP award.

The event began on August 23, Kobe’s birthday, and concluded on August 24, officially recognized as Kobe Bryant Day. Currently shortlisted for the 2025 Jersey Mike's Naismith High School Player of the Year Watch List, Aaliyah Chavez continues to scale the heights of high school basketball.

Aaliyah Chavez goes off in Caprock classic game

Aaliyah Chavez, the five-star guard of Monterey High School, Lubbock, Texas, was unstoppable at the Caprock Classic tournament held last week. The No. 1 nationally ranked player delivered jaw-dropping performances across all four games, averaging 42.25 points per game. In total, the 5-foot-11 point guard stashed an incredible 169 points in the tournament.

Chavez began the Caprock Classic with a bang, scoring 53 points in Monterey's 89-35 victory over Pampa High. She made six 3-pointers.

In the following two games, Aaliyah Chavez scored 44 points, including seven 3s, in an easy 77-29 win over Eastwood High School and then 45 points in 89-31 victory against Americas High School.

Although Monterey fell short in the final, losing 70-60 to Frenship High School, Chavez still stood out, leading all scorers with 27 points. Her exceptional performance throughout the tournament earned her the MVP of the bracket and a spot on the all-tournament team.