On Tuesday morning, the basketball world was heartbroken after learning about the passing of Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, the former Philadelphia basketball star and father of the late, great Kobe Bryant.
He was 69 years old.
Bryant, whose reported love of the candy earned him his nickname, was a star at both Bartram High School in Philadelphia and LaSalle University before moving on to the NBA after being drafted in the first round of the 1975 NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors which sold his rights a few months later to his hometown 76ers.
He played eight seasons in the NBA with the Sixers, Clippers and Rockets, averaging 8.7 points and 4 rebounds per game. He continued his professional career overseas in Italy and France before retiring in 1992. He later moved back to the United States and began his coaching career.
“I am heartbroken by the sudden loss of my uncle,” said La Salle men’s basketball assistant coach and Bryant’s nephew, John Cox. “He was a basketball icon in the city of Philadelphia and someone I grew up admiring. The impact he has made both here at La Salle and in the Philly basketball community will be felt for years to come.”
Bryant’s passing comes a little more than four years after the death of his son and granddaughter.
“[Joe Bryant] was a beloved member of the Explorer family and will be dearly missed,” said La Salle University.
Lakers legend Magic Johnson shared his tribute to Joe Bryant on X.
“I’m devastated to hear about the loss of my friend Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, the father of Kobe Bryant. Joe was not only a talented basketball player; he was also a great coach,” posted Johnson.
Many don’t know that Joe was the head coach of the LA Sparks between 2005 – 2007, before leaving and then returning in 2011. He also spent a number of years coaching overseas.
His one-time team, the Philadelphia 76ers, also expressed their sympathies over Bryant’s passing.
“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,” posted the team. “Our condolences go out to the Bryant family.”
Joe Bryant will be remembered for many things, including being the father of the great Kobe Bryant. But he will also be remembered as a good coach and an even better person.
RIP Joe “Jellybean” Bryant.
