Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, the father of NBA legend Kobe Bryant, has passed away at the age of 69. The news was confirmed by La Salle University, where Bryant played college basketball.
While the official cause of death has not been disclosed, Philadelphia Inquirer reports indicate that Joe Bryant recently suffered a severe stroke.
Joe Bryant, a renowned basketball player in his own right, enjoyed a successful professional career spanning several decades. Drafted by the Golden State Warriors in 1975, he played for several NBA teams, including the Philadelphia 76ers, the Los Angeles Clippers, and the Houston Rockets.
Beyond his playing career, Joe Bryant established himself as a respected coach, holding various positions at the collegiate and professional levels, including a stint as head coach of the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks.
Kobe Bryant, who tragically passed away in a helicopter crash in 2020, often credited his father for his love of the game. “He taught me from an early age how to view the game, how to prepare for the game and how to execute,” Kobe once shared.
The basketball world is mourning the loss of Joe Bryant, a beloved figure who left an indelible mark on the game.