Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, Father of Kobe Bryant, Passes Away at 69
Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, a Philadelphia basketball legend and father of the late NBA icon Kobe Bryant, has died at the age of 69. La Salle University, his alma mater, announced his passing on Tuesday. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Bryant recently suffered a massive stroke, according to La Salle coach Fran Dunphy.
Bryant was known for his vibrant personality and his love for candy, earning him the nickname “Jellybean.” He had an impactful career in basketball, both in the NBA and internationally. He played eight seasons in the NBA, representing the Philadelphia 76ers, San Diego Clippers, and Houston Rockets, averaging 8.7 points over 606 games.
Career Highlights
- NBA Draft: Joe Bryant was the 14th pick by Golden State in the 1975 draft, though his rights were sold to Philadelphia before his rookie season.
- Teams: He played for the Philadelphia 76ers (4 years), San Diego Clippers (3 years), and Houston Rockets (1 year).
- International Career: Bryant also played professionally in France and Italy, where his family lived for several years. This international experience significantly influenced Kobe Bryant, who developed a deep love for basketball and became fluent in Italian during this period.
Coaching Career
After his playing career, Joe Bryant transitioned to coaching. His coaching journey included:
- WNBA: He coached the Los Angeles Sparks, working in the same city where Kobe played.
- International Stints: He coached teams in Italy, Japan, and Thailand.
- La Salle University: He was part of the coaching staff at his alma mater from 1993 to 1996.
Family and Legacy
Joe Bryant’s family included his wife, Pam, with whom he shared nearly a half-century of marriage, and their children, including the late Kobe Bryant. The family had a complex relationship at times but shared deep connections and significant moments, including attending Kobe and Gianna Bryant’s memorial service in 2020.
Vanessa Bryant, Kobe’s widow, expressed her condolences on Instagram: “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.”
Tributes
Arn Tellem, vice chairman of the Detroit Pistons and Kobe Bryant’s former agent, said, “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.”
Joe Bryant’s legacy is remembered not only through his contributions to basketball but also through the indelible impact he had on his son’s life and career. His influence extended across continents, shaping the sport and touching the lives of many.
