A moment of silence for a basketball legend. Gym classes at Jacob Hiatt Magnet School honor Kobe Bryant before playing the sport which made him famous. The former NBA all-star and his thirteen year old daughter Gianna were among nine people killed in a helicopter crash Sunday.

Jacob Hiatt student Joel Urraca recalled when he heard the news, "When my parents told me I kind of like teared up a little because he was my basketball hero."

Worcester kids like Joseph Annan say Kobe inspired him to start playing basketball. "My heart is still...I'm still heartbroken but he did a good job."

The elementary students shouted Kobe's name any time they scored and say they were devastated when they heard what happened. Jacob Hiatt student Shantel Owusu, "I felt really upset because he was an inspiration to other people. And also his daughter because she had a whole life ahead of her."

Gianna Bryant wasn't much older that these students. They say she will be an inspiration for young girls looking to get into basketball. Jaidalys Hiraldo agreed, "For like little girls, she inspired them to do basketball because we can do anything boys can do."

Physical Education teacher Jonathan Vriesema grew up watching Kobe and was touched with how his students reacted to the tragedy. "Basketball I've learned is so much more than a game. There's so much more important things outside of it. So definitely it's a hard loss for sure."

Anna says if he could talk to Kobe, he would tell him how much he meant to him, "Thank you Kobe for everything you've done for me."

Whether the students play on a basketball team or just for fun, they say Kobe was an inspiration and hero. Jacob Hiatt's Physical Education teacher says the students wanted to talk about Kobe before they started class...and have been fans of him all year.