Kobe Bryant High School Jersey, Stolen In 2017, Returned By Chinese Collector

KEY POINTS

The jersey was reportedly stolen from Philadelphia's Lower Merion High School in 2017
School staff had been in touch with a Chinese collector that had reportedly bought the jersey who suspected it to be stolen before Bryant's death
It was unveiled in a ceremony involving Bryant's cousin, his former high school coach, and a high school teammate before a scheduled game on Saturday

A Kobe Bryant jersey stolen from Lower Merion High School in 2017 was returned by a Chinese collector who had reportedly purchased the jersey after it appeared on the market.

The jersey was reportedly returned to the Philadelphia high school and unveiled in a ceremony Saturday. Bryant’s cousin, his high school coach, and a high school teammate presented the jersey to the audience gathered inside Lower Merion’s Bryant Gymnasium.

Around 1,600 people gathered in the gymnasium to honor Bryant’s memory, many of whom were wearing black t-shirts that read “The Heartbeat of Aces Nation.”

“Because of Kobe, Lower Merion High School is known all over the globe,” Principal Sean Hughes said during the ceremony. “Despite his international fame, Kobe kept very close to our hearts. He returned here to meet with beloved (English teachers), and of course, coach Downer. He helped make this gym the wonderful facility it is. He was a strong supporter, not only of our basketball teams, but all of Aces Nation.”

Lower Merion had reportedly been in talks with the collector to return the jersey before Bryant’s death on Jan. 26. He had reached out to the school after reportedly investigating the jersey’s origin and discovered it had been stolen.

“That was kind of an iconic moment when the spotlight went on that jersey. It was just tremendous,” Gregg Downer, Lower Merion basketball coach, told reporters. “It was major irony, almost, how we've been waiting for that jersey for a long time. For a long time we didn't know where it was. To have it back, it's a fitting ending to a tough week.”

The ceremony was followed by the scheduled game between the Lower Merion Aces and the Souderton Indians. The Aces won in overtime with a final score of 42 to 37.

“His smile was the greatest thing I remember,” Frank Hartwell, Bryant’s high school counselor, said. “He was just an inspiration to so many, it wasn't all about himself. He was here before school every day working on his skills. He wasn't just in here shooting, he was working on his moves.”