"When they talk about the Bruce Bowens, Dennis Rodmans and Michael Coopers, I want them to remember my name too," Allen told ESPN.com last May. "I'm not just playing this game to be average. I want to be elite."
More than the 31,000 points, 15 All-Star selections and five championships, more than the silky turnaround jumpers, effortless baseline drives and feverish scoring binges, Bryant will forever be remembered for a belief in himself that you couldn't strip with a dozen Bruce Bowens. Years ago, upon ret