Bryant family faces another heartbreaking loss, prayers needed

Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, father of the late basketball star Kobe Bryant, has died at 69 years old. La Salle University’s athletics department confirmed his passing.

According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, Joe recently suffered a stroke. However, the exact cause of his death is still unknown.

Joe was a beloved member of the La Salle University community, where he played and later coached basketball. The university shared in a statement that he “was a beloved member of the Explorer family and will be dearly missed.”

Joe was a talented basketball player, just like his son Kobe. In 1975, he was the 14th overall pick in the NBA draft, selected by the Golden State Warriors. He played for the Philadelphia 76ers for four seasons, then moved on to the San Diego Clippers for three seasons, and finished his NBA career with the Houston Rockets for one season. Joe also played professionally in Europe.

The Philadelphia 76ers honored Joe, calling him “a local basketball icon,” and highlighted his significant impact on basketball in Philadelphia, from his high school days to his time with the 76ers.

Joe’s passing comes four years after the tragic deaths of his son Kobe and granddaughter Gianna, who were killed in a helicopter crash with seven others.

Vanessa Bryant, Kobe’s widow, expressed her condolences on Instagram, saying, “Sending our condolences upon hearing the news of my father-in-law’s passing. We hoped things would’ve been different. Although the times we spent together were few, he was always sweet and nice to be around. Kobe loved him very much.”

Doug Young, a former teammate of Kobe, praised Joe as an excellent role model. “Joe was our JV coach at Lower Merion and I could not have asked for a more positive mentor, teacher, and role model,” Young told ESPN. “It’s difficult to overstate how much he influenced me and my teammates. He made basketball fun and made us all want to be better; he believed in us. I’ll never forget his infectious smile, his bear hugs and the incredible bond he shared with Kobe. Growing up in Lower Merion, there was no family we loved and admired more than the Bryants, and that started with Joe.”

Arn Tellem, vice chairman of the Detroit Pistons and Kobe Bryant’s former agent, also expressed his sorrow. He remembered Joe as a warm and devoted family man. “Our friendship opened the door for me to represent Kobe as he entered the NBA, a memory I’ll always cherish. Joe was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, whose warmth touched everyone he met.”

Joe “Jellybean” Bryant will be remembered fondly by the basketball community and those who knew him. Rest in peace, Joe.