Tonight saw the much-anticipated head-to-head matchup of two players who have laid claim to Kobe-related nicknames. In one corner stands Josh “Okobie” Okogie. In the other corner stands Elie “Okobe” Okobo. Who will prove to the world that they are deserving of the Kobe crown, and who will prove to be an impotent loser who is only allowed to say “Kobe” when they are tossing something into a trash can?
Well, since you’re watching a Josh Okogie highlight video right now, the obvious guess of Josh Okogie being the victor in the Okogie/Okobo battle is a good one. In fact, a close examination of the box-score reveals that Okogie had 21 points, a season high, while Okobo had zero points, a season low. Not only that, but Okogie did his scoring in ways that were reminiscent of prime Kobe: some three-pointers, sure, but also some tough layups through contact and some contested midrange jimbos.
But wait! Okobo makes a surprise claim for the crown. His 0-of-4 shooting performance in just three minutes of court time was quite reminiscent of some of Kobe’s worst games, where he would continue to take shots no matter how cold he was. Okobo was truly channeling the spirit of post-injury, near-retirement Kobe Bryant in this one. Man, this is a tough one…it’s so close…
DTB’S OFFICIAL FINAL VERDICT: Josh Okogie is allowed to continue use of the nickname “Okobie”. Elie Okobo is allowed to use the nickname “Okobe” only when the style of his play is especially Kobe-esque, and no other time. Okogie has no limitations on the use of his nickname. So speaketh DTB.