Tragic Death
Joe 'Jellybean' Bryant, Father of Kobe Bryant, Dies at Age 69
Joe "Jellybean" Bryant, a former NBA player and the father of the late basketball legend Kobe Bryant, has passed away at the age of 69. The news was confirmed by La Salle University, where Bryant both played and coached. While the official cause of death has not been disclosed, it was reported that Bryant recently suffered a massive stroke.
Bryant's death marks another tragic chapter for the Bryant family, coming over four years after the devastating helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven others in January 2020. Joe Bryant had largely retreated from public life following the loss of his son and granddaughter.
Born on October 19, 1954, in Philadelphia, Joe Bryant earned his nickname "Jellybean" due to his fondness for the candy. He made a name for himself in the basketball world early on, starring at Bartram High School and later at La Salle University, where he averaged 20.8 points per game over two seasons. His collegiate success led to his selection as the 14th overall pick in the 1975 NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors, though he was quickly traded to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Bryant's NBA career spanned eight seasons, during which he played for the 76ers, San Diego Clippers, and Houston Rockets. Standing at 6-foot-9, he was known for his versatility and skill on the court. He averaged 8.7 points and 4.0 rebounds over 606 career games and was a member of the 1976-77 Sixers team that reached the NBA Finals.
After his NBA tenure, Bryant found greater individual success overseas, playing nearly a decade in France and Italy. It was during his time in Italy that his son Kobe developed a deep passion for basketball and became fluent in Italian. The Bryant family returned to the Philadelphia area when Kobe was 13, setting the stage for his rise as a high school basketball star at Lower Merion High School and his subsequent legendary NBA career.
Joe Bryant transitioned to coaching in 1992, taking on roles in the United States and internationally. He served as the head coach for the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks for parts of three seasons and held various coaching positions in Italy, Japan, and Thailand. His coaching career allowed him to remain connected to the sport he loved while also mentoring young players.
La Salle University, where Bryant's basketball journey began, expressed deep sorrow over his passing. "Joe was a beloved member of the Explorer family and will be dearly missed," the university said in a statement. Fran Dunphy, the current head coach at La Salle, noted that Bryant had recently suffered a massive stroke.
The Philadelphia 76ers also paid tribute to Bryant, calling him a "local basketball icon" whose legacy transcended his journey across Bartram High School, La Salle University, and his NBA career. "Our condolences go out to the Bryant family," the team said in a statement.
Vanessa Bryant, Kobe's widow, shared her condolences on social media, reflecting on the limited but sweet times they spent together. "Kobe loved him very much," she wrote.
Joe Bryant's influence extended beyond his own achievements on the court. He was a mentor and role model to many, including his son Kobe, who once credited his father with teaching him how to view, prepare for, and execute the game of basketball. Doug Young, a former high school teammate of Kobe, remembered Joe as a positive mentor who made basketball fun and believed in his players.
Arn Tellem, vice chairman of the Detroit Pistons and Kobe Bryant's former agent, expressed his sadness over Joe Bryant's passing. "Joe was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, whose warmth touched everyone he met," Tellem said.
Joe "Jellybean" Bryant's legacy in the basketball world is profound, marked by his contributions as a player, coach, and father. His passing is a significant loss for the basketball community and all who knew him.