Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, former NBA player and father of the late basketball legend Kobe Bryant, passed away on July 15, 2024, at the age of 69. His death followed a massive stroke, as reported by La Salle University head coach Fran Dunphy. Wikipedia+8ESPN.com+8Reuters+8New York Post+8People.com+8New York Post+8
Born on October 19, 1954, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Joe Bryant had a notable basketball career. After playing college basketball at La Salle University from 1973 to 1975, he was selected 14th overall in the 1975 NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors. However, he was soon traded to his hometown team, the Philadelphia 76ers, where he played from 1975 to 1979. Bryant also had stints with the San Diego Clippers (1979–1982) and the Houston Rockets (1982–1983), averaging 8.7 points and 4.0 rebounds per game over his eight-year NBA career. WikipediaWikipedia+2New York Post+2Reuters+2Wikipedia+2Reuters+2New York Post+2
Following his NBA tenure, Bryant extended his playing career internationally, competing in Italy and France until 1992. Transitioning into coaching, he held various positions, including head coach of the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks and coaching roles in Japan and Thailand. New York Post+3Wikipedia+3Reuters+3
Joe Bryant was the father of Kobe Bryant, a five-time NBA champion and Hall of Famer who tragically died in a helicopter crash in January 2020 alongside his daughter Gianna. The relationship between Joe and Kobe experienced strains over the years, particularly concerning personal and professional matters. Despite these challenges, reports suggest that Kobe had been seeking to reconcile with his parents before his untimely death. People.com+5ESPN.com+5New York Post+5New York Post+1New York Post+1
In the wake of Joe Bryant’s passing, La Salle University honored him as a “beloved member of the Explorer family,” reflecting on his contributions as both a player and coach. Vanessa Bryant, Kobe’s widow, expressed her condolences on social media, stating, “Although the times we spent together were few, he was always sweet and nice to be around. Kobe loved him very much.” New York Post+8ESPN.com+8ABC News+8
Joe Bryant is survived by his wife, Pam, and their daughters, Sharia and Shaya. His legacy in basketball, both as a player and coach, and as the father of one of the game’s greatest talents, remains significant.
