Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, a longtime professional basketball player known for his extensive European career and as the father of Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant, has passed away at the age of 69, officials announced Tuesday.
La Salle University, where Bryant played from 1973 to 1975 and later served on the coaching staff from 1993 to 1996, released a statement expressing their sorrow: “We are saddened to announce the passing of La Salle basketball great Joe Bryant. He was a beloved member of the Explorer family and will be dearly missed.”
Bryant played in the NBA for eight seasons, representing the Philadelphia 76ers, San Diego Clippers, and Houston Rockets between 1975 and 1983.
The 76ers recognized Bryant as a local basketball “icon,” celebrating his legacy that spanned Bartram High School, La Salle University, and his initial four NBA seasons with the team from 1975-1979. “Our condolences go out to the Bryant family,” the team added.
After his NBA career, Bryant spent eight seasons playing professional basketball in France and Italy.
Kobe Bryant, born in 1978, spent much of his childhood in Italy, where he developed a love for the local culture and became fluent in multiple languages. Kobe went on to become the fourth-leading scorer in NBA history and is regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.
Kobe Bryant tragically died in a helicopter crash near Los Angeles on January 26, 2020, along with his daughter Gianna and seven others.
At Kobe’s Hall of Fame enshrinement, his wife, Vanessa Bryant, expressed gratitude to her in-laws: “I invited my mother- and father-in-law to tonight’s enshrinement to thank them for bringing one of the most amazing human beings into this world. Pam and Joe, thank you for raising Kobe to be exceptional.”
Vanessa Bryant also shared her condolences on Instagram following Joe Bryant’s passing. “Although the times we spent together were few, he was always sweet and nice to be around. Kobe loved him very much. Our prayers go out to the family,” she said.