Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, the father of the late NBA legend Kobe Bryant, has passed away at the age of 69 following a massive stroke. A former NBA player himself, Joe spent eight seasons in the league with the Philadelphia 76ers, San Diego Clippers, and Houston Rockets.
Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, the father of NBA legend Kobe Bryant Died
After his time in the NBA, Joe’s love for basketball took him overseas, where he played professionally in Italy and France. It was during this period that his son Kobe spent part of his childhood in Italy, absorbing the culture and the sport that would later define his life.
Joe didn’t just stop at playing the game; he transitioned into coaching, sharing his knowledge and passion for basketball with others. He coached in the WNBA with the Los Angeles Sparks and had coaching stints in Italy, Japan, and Thailand.
La Salle University, Joe’s alma mater, where he played college basketball and later coached, expressed their sorrow, calling him a “beloved member of the Explorer family.” The Philadelphia 76ers also paid their respects, acknowledging Joe’s significant contributions to basketball in the city.
Vanessa Bryant, Kobe’s widow, paid tribute to her father-in-law, remembering the sweet, albeit limited, moments they shared. She spoke fondly of the love Kobe had for his father, adding another layer of poignancy to the family’s recent loss.
The Bryant family has faced unimaginable tragedy in recent years, with Kobe, his daughter Gianna, and seven others losing their lives in a helicopter crash in 2020. Joe’s passing is another heartbreaking chapter for the family, and the basketball community mourns with them.
Joe “Jellybean” Bryant will be remembered not just for his skills on the court but for his enduring impact on the sport and the legacy he left through his son, Kobe.
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