Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, the father of NBA superstar Kobe Bryant and a former NBA player himself, has passed away at the age of 69. La Salle University, where Joe played and later coached, shared their condolences, stating he was “a beloved member of the Explorer family and will be dearly missed.” Fran Dunphy, the university’s head coach, revealed that Joe had recently suffered a severe stroke.

Since the tragic passing of Kobe in a helicopter crash in January 2020, Joe had largely remained out of the public eye. Kobe often credited his father with instilling in him a deep understanding of the game, emphasizing, “He taught me how to view the game, how to prepare for it, and how to execute.”
A standout player at La Salle, Joe Bryant averaged 20.8 points per game and was drafted by the Golden State Warriors in 1975. He went on to play for several NBA teams, including the Philadelphia 76ers, who recognized him as a “local basketball icon.”

Doug Young, a former teammate of Kobe, remembered Joe as an inspiring “role model,” stating, “He made basketball fun and motivated us all to improve.” Later in his career, Joe took on coaching roles at various levels, including with the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks.
Kobe’s former agent, Arn Tellem, honored Joe by calling him a “true Philly hoops legend” whose warmth and kindness impacted everyone he met.