The Bryant family is facing yet another heartbreaking loss. Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, the father of late NBA legend Kobe Bryant and a former professional basketball player himself, has passed away at the age of 69. His death marks a sorrowful moment not only for his family but for the broader basketball community, where his presence left a lasting legacy both on and off the court.
La Salle University, where Joe Bryant made a name for himself as a collegiate star and later as a coach, released a heartfelt statement mourning the loss of one of their own. “Joe was a beloved member of the Explorer family and will be dearly missed,” the university shared. La Salle’s current head coach, Fran Dunphy, revealed that Bryant had recently suffered a serious stroke, a health battle that ultimately took his life.
Joe Bryant had largely withdrawn from the public eye following the devastating death of his son Kobe in a helicopter crash in January 2020—a tragedy that shook the sports world to its core. Despite their complex relationship, Kobe often spoke with great respect about the role his father played in shaping his understanding of basketball. “He taught me how to see the game, how to think it through, how to prepare and execute,” Kobe once said, crediting his father for instilling in him the basketball IQ that would define his career.
As a player, Joe Bryant made waves during his time at La Salle, averaging an impressive 20.8 points per game. His talent quickly propelled him into the NBA, where he was drafted by the Golden State Warriors in 1975 before eventually suiting up for teams like the Philadelphia 76ers. His style, flair, and charismatic presence earned him the nickname “Jellybean,” and his influence on Philadelphia basketball is still felt today. The 76ers paid tribute to him, calling him a “local basketball icon” whose contributions to the game were profound and unforgettable.
Doug Young, a former teammate of Kobe Bryant, reflected on Joe’s character with deep admiration. “Joe was more than a player—he was a role model. He made the game fun. He made us want to be better, to play harder, and to enjoy the sport we loved,” he said, underscoring the inspiration Joe provided to younger generations.
After retiring from professional play, Joe didn’t leave the game behind. He transitioned into coaching, sharing his knowledge and passion for basketball with others. His coaching career spanned continents and leagues, including a notable stint with the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks. His impact as a mentor was as powerful as his presence had been as a player.
Arn Tellem, who once served as Kobe’s agent, remembered Joe as a man of immense character and heart. “Joe ‘Jellybean’ Bryant was a true Philly hoops legend,” Tellem said. “But beyond that, he was a man whose warmth touched everyone who crossed his path.”
The passing of Joe Bryant is not just the end of a remarkable basketball journey—it is a painful chapter for a family already marked by unimaginable tragedy. As fans, friends, and the entire sports world reflect on his life, the memory of Joe “Jellybean” Bryant will endure—not only through his own achievements, but through the towering legacy of his son and the countless lives he inspired with his passion, wisdom, and love for the game.
