Kobe Asia tour - third stop: Taipei, Taiwan

Travel with Kobe as he continues his Asia tour in Taipei, Taiwan, on the court and in the streets.


Today’s events begin at Taiwan University Gymnasium, where Kobe talks to the Taiwanese media. Many interviews focus on Kobe’s 81-point game and his outlook for the upcoming season.

Kobe receives welcoming gifts from select members of the press.

One member of the press surprises Kobe by breaking out a copy of his unreleased hip-hop album and asking him to sign it.

Once the press conference finishes, Kobe heads over to the Taipei 101 Tower. Here he receives a personal tour of one of the world’s tallest buildings — 508 meters/1,667 feet high. Kobe gets a view of the city from the observation decks of the 89th and 91st floors.

Kobe makes a grand entrance to a crowd of 5,000+ screaming fans who eagerly await tonight’s basketball clinic.

Kobe’s opening speech at the clinic talks about scoring 81 points and his dedication to the game.

Kobe takes a few shots before the clinic starts up.

As the athletes engage in the basketball clinic’s circuit, Kobe observes from the sideline. He comments on their moves and provides advice for improvement.

Once the circuit session of the clinic has finished, Kobe gets very serious with the athletes and introduces the “Blackout” drill. He explains that dedication to the game and to yourself will allow you to succeed and build your strength. As he runs the athletes through the drill, he observes closely from the sideline making sure the players are running their sprints properly. Anyone caught slipping has to repeat the drill.

Kobe give’s the thumbs-up to the last player standing from the “Blackout.” He congratulates him with a signed Team USA package (a jersey & Team USA Zoom Kobe I).

As part of the basketball clinic’s closing ceremony, Kobe learns to write “81 Spirit” in Chinese calligraphy.

Kobe throws signed basketballs into the roaring crowd as the day comes to a close.

Next stop on the Kobe tour: Seoul, South Korea. Check back next week for the update!