Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski released a statement honoring Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, following their sudden deaths on Sunday.
Krzyzewski coached Bryant during his two Olympic gold medal victories with the U.S. national basketball team in 2008 and 2012.
"We have tragically lost one of the greatest sports figures of our time with the passing of Kobe Bryant," Krzyzewski said. "He was an incredibly gifted person who was universally respected."
Krzyzewski added that Bryant "cherished representing his country in a first-class manner playing the game he so loved."
Bryant was a member of the national team from 2008-12, a memorable run that included his participation in the "Redeem Team," which won the the gold medal in 2008 after falling short in 2004.