Prayers for the Bryant family as they grieve yet another heartbreaking loss
The athletic department of La Salle University announced the passing of Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, the late father of Basketball Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant, at the age of 69.
Joe had recently experienced a stroke, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer, citing La Salle men’s head basketball coach Fran Dunphy. The precise reason for the death is yet unknown.
Joe “was a beloved member of the Explorer family and will be dearly missed,” according to a statement from La Salle University, where he was both a coach and player.
Like his well-known son, Joe was also a well-known basketball player. He played for the Philadelphia 76ers for four seasons, the then-San Diego Clippers for three seasons, and the Houston Rockets for one season after being selected by the Golden State Warriors with the 14th overall pick in the 1975 NBA draft. He performed around Europe as well.
“A local basketball icon, whose legacy on the court transcended his journey across Bartram High School, La Salle University, and his first four NBA seasons with the 76ers from 1975-79,” was how the 76ers honored Joe.
Four years have passed since the devastating deaths of Joe’s son Kobe and his granddaughter Gianna, who perished in a helicopter crash along with seven other people. Joe passed away unexpectedly.
Vanessa Bryant, Kobe’s widow, said the following on her Instagram story on Tuesday: “We are sorry to learn about my father-in-law’s demise.
“We had hoped for a different outcome. Despite our limited time together, he was consistently kind and pleasant to be around. Kobe cherished him dearly.
Doug Young, a former Kobe teammate, lauded Joe as the perfect “role model.”
Young told ESPN, “I could not have asked for a more positive mentor, teacher, and role model than Joe, who was our JV coach at Lower Merion.” It’s hard to exaggerate his impact on my teammates and me. He believed in us, made basketball fun, and inspired all of us to improve. His contagious smile, his bear hugs, and the amazing bond he had with Kobe are memories I will always cherish. The Bryant family was the most adored and respected family in Lower Merion when we were kids, and Joe was the reason behind it.
Former Kobe Bryant agent and Pistons vice chairman Arn Tellem shared his condolences for Joe’s passing and joined the basketball community in remembering a great Philly hoops legend. “Because of our connection, I was able to represent Kobe when he joined the NBA, an experience I will always treasure. Joe was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who made a lasting impression on everyone he encountered.
I hope he finds peace.
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