SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Former Utah Jazz forward Thurl Bailey released a new song in honor of the late basketball legend Kobe Bryant.

Bryant, along with his daughter Gianna and seven others passed away in a helicopter crash in Southern California on Sunday, January 26.

Bailey created and released an original song in Bryant’s honor called “Wasn’t Ready For Goodbye” on Friday, January 31.

“I’m Thurl Bailey and I had the amazing privilege and opportunity to become acquainted with Kobe as a competitor on the basketball court but also away from the game as a man,” said Bailey as he introduced the song that he released via YouTube. “As I thought about what I could do to honor him, I hope that this musical tribute serves as that. As we say goodbye to one of the greatest of all-time, Kobe Bryant.”

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Bailey and Bryant played one NBA season together in 1998-99. The former Jazzman retired at the conclusion of that season. It was Los Angeles Lakers star’s third NBA season.

Before his final season with the Jazz, Bailey played three seasons in Italy from 1995-98.

Kobe’s father Joe Bryant also played basketball in the NBA. When Bryant was a child, his father retired from the NBA and moved his family to Italy in 1984 to continue his basketball career.

Bailey played 10 seasons with the Jazz during his career. In a Utah jersey, Bailey averaged 14.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game.

Since retiring from basketball, Bailey has enjoyed being an inspirational speaker, sports broadcaster, actor, and singer/songwriter.