Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, father of NBA icon Kobe Bryant and a former NBA athlete himself, passed away at age 69. La Salle University, the institution where Bryant excelled as a player and served as a coach, shared that he “remained a cherished part of the Explorer community and will hold a lasting place in our hearts.” Fran Dunphy, head coach at La Salle, revealed that Bryant endured a massive stroke in recent days.
Following the heartbreaking loss of Kobe Bryant in a helicopter accident in January 2020, Joe Bryant maintained a low profile in public settings. Kobe frequently honored his father’s deep knowledge of basketball, stating that Joe guided him “from a young age on how to analyze the game, how to train for the game and how to perform in the game.”
Joe Bryant shone brightly at La Salle University, posting an average of 20.8 points per contest. Selected by the Golden State Warriors in the 1975 draft, he competed with the Philadelphia 76ers along with additional NBA franchises. The 76ers recognized his contributions: “Joe ‘Jellybean’ Bryant stood as a true Philadelphia basketball treasure.”
Doug Young, who once shared the court with Kobe as a teammate, recalled Joe as an outstanding “inspiration,” observing, “He infused basketball with joy and inspired everyone around him to elevate their skills.” Joe Bryant went on to lead teams at multiple levels, including the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks.
Arn Tellem, Kobe’s longtime agent, reflected, “Joe ‘Jellybean’ Bryant embodied a genuine Philadelphia hoops pioneer… whose kindness reached every person he encountered.”