When something tragic happens to someone, it takes a community to pull them out of the darkness. For CSU's Emmanuel Omogbo, part of his community is Kobe Bryant.

The story of Omogbo has been heartbreaking and inspiring for not only the Northern Colorado community, but for college basketball across the nation.

In January, the junior basketball player for the Colorado State University Rams lost his parents and twin niece and nephew in a house fire in Maryland.

Omogbo returned to the Rams last week against San Jose State and put up an inspirational performance, entering in the second half of the game and responded with 11 points and seven rebounds.

To add to the support that he has received over the last two weeks, he also received a message from one of the NBA's greatest players in history who is finishing up his career this season.

It was a video message from Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers:

The Rams are back in action at Moby Arena on Saturday, February 6th versus Nevada.

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