The WNBA recognized Gianna Bryant, Payton Chester, and Alyssa Altobelli as honorary draftees in a wonderful tribute Friday at the beginning of the 2020 draft.

The three young teenagers were among the nine victims in the January helicopter crash that also claimed the life of Gianna's father and NBA legend Kobe Bryant.

The WNBA pays tribute to the lives of Alyssa Altobelli, Gianna Bryant and Payton Chester by selecting them as honorary draftees in the #WNBADraft 2020. pic.twitter.com/AqpZnc4xfo — WNBA (@WNBA) April 17, 2020

Gianna, Chester, and Altobelli all aspired to play basketball at the highest level, and tragically were never given the chance.

The WNBA has officially announced the Kobe and Gigi Bryant WNBA Advocacy Award, which will recognize an individual or group who has made significant contributions to the visibility, perception and advancement of women’s and girls’ basketball at all levels. pic.twitter.com/UjsmV8l8Bt — WNBA (@WNBA) April 18, 2020

Commissioner Cathy Engelbert provided a touching tribute on behalf of those who were lost in the tragedy.

"While it brings us pain not to see their dreams come to fruition, I'm grateful and proud to announce them tonight as honorary draft picks," Engelbert said.

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