Another Terrible Loss For The Bryant Family,
Joe “Jellybean” Bryant Dies at 69
Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, father of NBA legend Kobe Bryant and a former NBA player,
has passed away at 69. La Salle University,
where he played and coached, called him “a beloved member of the Explorer family” who will be “dearly missed.”
Fran Dunphy, La Salle’s head coach, noted that Bryant had suffered a severe stroke prior to his death.
Basketball Legacy
A standout at La Salle, Bryant averaged 20.8 points per game and was drafted by the Golden State Warriors in 1975,
debuting with the Philadelphia 76ers.
He also played for the San Diego Clippers and Houston Rockets, earning a reputation as “a local basketball icon” with flair and athleticism.
Influence on Kobe
Kobe credited his father for teaching him how to “view the game,
prepare for the game, and execute,” highlighting Joe’s strategic understanding and discipline.
Coaching and Impact
Beyond playing, Bryant coached at multiple levels, including the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks. Former teammate Doug Young called him a “role model,”
while agent Arn Tellem described him as “a true Philly hoops legend… whose warmth touched everyone he met.”
