Joe ‘Jellybean’ Bryant, Father of Kobe Bryant, Passes Away at 69

Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, former NBA player and father of the late basketball icon Kobe Bryant, has passed away at the age of 69, as confirmed by his alma mater, La Salle University.

The sad news of Joe Bryant’s passing was unveiled by La Salle University, where he had a significant basketball presence both as a player and a coach.

The Philadelphia Inquirer, quoting La Salle coach Fran Dunphy, reported that Joe Bryant had recently suffered a major stroke, marking a difficult time for the Bryant family.

Joe Bryant, commonly known as ‘Jellybean’, had a successful basketball career in the NBA, playing for three franchises over eight seasons and leaving a lasting impact on the basketball community.

Hailing from his successful tenure with the Philadelphia 76ers, Joe Bryant also had stints with the San Diego Clippers and the Houston Rockets during his NBA playing days.

After his NBA career, Joe Bryant ventured into international basketball, playing in France and Italy, where his family eventually settled and where Kobe Bryant’s basketball journey truly began.

During his time in Italy, Joe Bryant’s influence was pivotal in shaping Kobe Bryant’s love for the game and his fluency in Italian, marking a crucial chapter in the late Hall of Famer’s development.

In addition to his playing career, Joe Bryant also delved into coaching, with notable coaching roles in Italy, Japan, Thailand, and even the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks, showcasing his versatility and passion for the sport.