SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. – Joseph Tagaban knew he was going to spend a day with his basketball idol Klay Thompson last week, but it was a moment involving Thompson’s own hoops hero that provided a true surprise.
Shortly after Thompson welcomed the 15-year-old to his offseason workout spot Friday, Thompson slid out of his backpack a crisp matte black folder with “Nike basketball” printed across the front. He carefully opened it to reveal an autographed photo of the late Kobe Bryant and handed it to Joseph.
“I feel like I shouldn’t even be touching this,” Joseph said as he stared at the photo in astonishment.
