The Kobe effect: Examining four of the best Mayo debuts of all time

KOBE MCDONALD

We've saved the most recent one until last.

The name Kobe McDonald has been gaining attention and momentum long before Sunday.

Whether it be in the maroon of Crossmolina Deel Rovers, or with his schoolmates in Gortnor Abbey, the star power of the son of twinkle-toes himself, Ciaran McDonald, was always going to have an intense spotlight on him.

However, he has taken the pressure, akin in level to the Greek titan Atlas when he was forced to carry the sky on his shoulders, and thrived.

His performances and star power are such that when you mention the name 'Kobe' to a sports fan on this isle on this side of the Atlantic, it isn't the 'Black Mamba' who tore up the basketball courts for the LA Lakers for decades who comes to the forefront of the consciousness.

Instead, it's the Crossmolina teenage baller, even before he's ever crossed onto the battlefield and kicked a ball in anger for his county at the top level.

Following on from a top-drawer maiden season for his club in the race for the Moclair, it speaks volumes that Andy Moran was willing to bring him into the fold for one season before he departs for pastures new.

When he was listed on the bench for the trip to Ulster, the hype skyrocketed, and he delivered.

His goal was first rate, his two-pointer had fans weak at the knees, and that's without going into his pair of white flags and setting up another, making it 1-4 in scores and an assist in five touches.

By the end, there was only one topic on people's lips as cars and buses bounced through Ballyconnell, Ballinamore, and Carrick-on-Shannon.

It may be early days in Kobe McDonald's journey, but it's safe to say we can all enjoy what we've seen so far.