Joe ‘Jellybean’ Bryant, Father of Kobe Bryant, Passes Away at 69
Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, the Philadelphia basketball legend and father of the late Basketball Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant, has died at the age of 69, as confirmed by his alma mater on Tuesday.
A Celebrated Basketball Career
Bryant, who enjoyed an eight-season career in the NBA with three different teams, recently suffered a massive stroke, according to La Salle coach Fran Dunphy, as reported by the Philadelphia Inquirer. La Salle University expressed their sorrow in a news release, stating, “We are saddened to announce the passing of La Salle basketball great Joe Bryant. Joe played for the Explorers from 1973-75 and was a member of our coaching staff from 1993-96. He was a beloved member of the Explorer family and will be dearly missed.”
Family Legacy and Personal Struggles
Kobe Bryant, along with his daughter Gianna and seven others, tragically died in a helicopter crash in January 2020 in Calabasas, California. Despite a sometimes strained relationship, Joe and Pam Bryant, who had been married for nearly 50 years, attended the memorial service for Kobe and Gianna in Los Angeles.
Vanessa Bryant, Kobe’s widow, shared her condolences on Instagram, saying, “Sending our condolences upon hearing the news of my father-in-law’s passing. We hoped things would’ve been different. Although the times we spent together were few, he was always sweet and nice to be around. Kobe loved him very much.”
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Joe Bryant’s NBA and International Career
Joe Bryant was the 14th overall pick in the 1975 NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors, who sold his rights to the Philadelphia 76ers before his rookie season. Over his NBA career, he played for the 76ers, San Diego Clippers, and Houston Rockets, averaging 8.7 points in 606 games. Bryant then embarked on an international career, playing in France and Italy. It was in Italy where Kobe Bryant developed a deep love for basketball and became fluent in Italian. The family returned to the Philadelphia area when Kobe was 13, and he went on to become a high school star and a first-round NBA draft pick four years later.
Remembering Joe Bryant
Detroit Pistons vice chairman Arn Tellem, who was Kobe Bryant’s former agent, expressed his sorrow, saying, “I’m deeply saddened by the passing of Joe ‘Jellybean’ Bryant and join the basketball community in mourning a true Philly hoops legend. Our friendship opened the door for me to represent Kobe as he entered the NBA, a memory I’ll always cherish. Joe was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, whose warmth touched everyone he met.”
Coaching and Influence
Jellybean’ Bryant also had a notable coaching career, including stints with teams in Italy, Japan, and Thailand, as well as with the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks, coaching in the same city where his son Kobe played for many years.
Joe ‘Jellybean’ Bryant leaves behind a rich legacy in the basketball world and a lasting impact on those who knew him. His contributions to the sport and his role as a father and coach will be remembered and cherished by many.