The world of basketball is in mourning after the passing of Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, the father of the late Kobe Bryant, at the age of 69.
According to reports from the Philadelphia Inquirer, Joe Bryant recently suffered a massive stroke, leading to his untimely death. This tragedy comes four and a half years after the heartbreaking helicopter crash that claimed the lives of his son, Kobe, and granddaughter, Gianna, among others, in January 2020.
Joe Bryant, a towering figure at 6’9″, enjoyed a distinguished playing career in the NBA, with notable stints at the Philadelphia 76ers, San Diego Clippers, and Houston Rockets. He later found success overseas and transitioned into coaching, making significant contributions in various leagues worldwide.
Joe Bryant’s basketball journey began at John Bartram High School in Philadelphia, where he earned the nickname “Jellybean” for his fondness for candy. He went on to become a standout player at La Salle University, averaging over 20 points and 11 rebounds per game over two seasons. In 1975, he was a first-round draft pick by the Golden State Warriors, who soon traded his rights to his hometown team, the Philadelphia 76ers.
During his time with the 76ers, Bryant was part of the 1976-77 team that reached the NBA Finals. Over his eight-season NBA career, he averaged 8.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. After his NBA career, Bryant found greater individual success playing professionally in Europe, especially in Italy, before returning to the United States to pursue coaching.
Joe Bryant’s coaching career spanned various levels and locations, including stints in the ABA, WNBA, SlamBall, and international leagues in Italy, Japan, and Thailand. His most notable coaching success came with the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks, where he led the team to a 25-9 record and an appearance in the Western Conference Finals in 2006.
While Joe and Kobe Bryant shared a close bond during Kobe’s childhood and early career, their relationship became strained over time. Despite this, Joe Bryant’s influence on his son was undeniable, helping shape Kobe into the legendary player he became.
The passing of Joe Bryant marks another poignant moment for the Bryant family and the basketball community. His contributions to the sport, both as a player and coach, leave a lasting legacy.
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