Joe Jellybean Bryant the Father of Kobe Bryant Passes at 69
We have lost so many this year and sadly we must mention yet another sports figure. He is the father of one of the greatest NBA players ever. Joe Jellybean Bryant the father of Kobe Bryant has passed away at just 69.
Bryant played for a plethora of teams during his NBA tenure. Including the Philadelphia 76ers, Houston Rockets and the San Diego Clippers. Upon learning of Bryant’s passing, the 76ers immediately issued a statement about their former player. They state,
“Joe “Jellybean” Bryant was 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. Our condolences go out to the Bryant family.”
Joe was drafted into the NBA back in 1975. Selected by the Golden State Warriors. But was eventually traded to his hometown team, the Philadelphia 76ers, where he played for four seasons. He went in the first round, the 14th overall pick. Joe finished his professional career (in the NBA, he also played overseas until 1992); with 5,252 points (8.7 ppg), 2,441 rebounds (4.0 rpg); and 1,049 assists (1.7 apg).
What about Joe’s college days? Well, before playing in the league, he was a star at La Salle University. Bryant, a 6-foot-9 forward who was known as Jellybean because he enjoyed that candy, averaged 19 and 22 points a game in two seasons at La Salle. La Salle University, like the 76ers also released a statement regarding the unfortunate news of Bryant. The university says,
“We are saddened to announce the passing of La Salle basketball great Joe Bryant. Joe played for the Explorers from 1973-75 and was a member of our coaching staff from 1993-96. He was a beloved member of the Explorer family and will be dearly missed.”
Joe Bryant will also be missed by the WNBA. He served as a coach in the league for the Los Angeles Sparks. From 2005-2007, then later returned to finish coaching the 2011 season.
Joe Jellybean Bryant the Father of Kobe Bryant Passes at 69
Nevertheless, after the passing of his dear son, Kobe Bryant; Joe largely disappeared from public view. However, his career and legacy has continued to do much speaking in his behalf. The widow of his son, Vanessa Bryant, also briefly spoke about Mr. Bryant, her former father-in-law. She mentions,
“Sending our condolences upon hearing the news of my father in law’s passing,” Vanessa Bryant, Kobe’s widow, posted Tuesday on her Instagram story. “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.”
Kobe also credits his father for teaching him “from an early age how to view the game, how to prepare for the game and how to execute.” Doug Young, a former high school teammate of Kobe, spoke on Joe’s teaching acumen and lauded Joe as the ultimate “role model.” Young recalls,
“Joe was our JV coach at Lower Merion and I could not have asked for a more positive mentor, teacher, and role model. 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.”
Very nice. Joe was certainly loved by his family, friends and the basketball community. He worked hard to enhance his own career and to provide well for his family. Raising and training a NBA Hall of Famer in the midst of it all. Like his amazing son, Joe Jellybean Bryant will definitely be missed.
**Want Even More Sports, News, Hot Takes, Stats as well as Athlete Celebrity Sighting Updates; Insights as well as Trends? Well, be sure to join all of us Sports Feens over on Youtube to get an additional sports fix; and also don’t forget to check out all of our new Podcast topics and episodes. Plus, get fast highlights and trivia daily by following us on TikTok. Just Click HERE**
Thoughts on Ingrid Andress Issues Apology for Her Singing During 2024 Home Run Derby!? Well let’s connect then you Feen! We are always around on social media posting as well as chatting away. And we would love to hear some POV from you. Therefore, join the discussion and talk all things Sports Feen; athletics as well as breaking industry news related with us by dropping a comment or two. Get into our comment section on YT; or also hit us up on our TikTok page.
