July 16, (THEWILL) – Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, father of basketball legend, Kobe Bryant, has died at the age of 69.
The former NBA player and Philadelphia basketball icon succumbed to a massive stroke, as confirmed by La Salle University’s head coach Fran Dunphy on Tuesday. This loss comes just over four years after the devastating helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Kobe Bryant, his granddaughter, Gigi, and seven others.
Joe Bryant’s basketball journey began in Philadelphia, where he made a name for himself as the Public League Player of the Year in 1972 at Bartram High School. His talent flourished at La Salle University, where he averaged an impressive 20 points and 11 rebounds per game over two seasons. This stellar performance led to his selection as a first-round draft pick by the Golden State Warriors in 1975, though he was quickly traded to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Bryant’s professional career spanned eight seasons in the NBA, including four with his hometown 76ers. He was a key bench player for the 1976-77 Sixers team that reached the NBA Finals. Following his NBA stint, Bryant found greater individual success in Europe, particularly in Italy, before returning to the Philadelphia area and settling in Wynnewood.
The 6-foot-9 forward was known for his versatile skill set, which was ahead of its time and reminiscent of later basketball greats like Magic Johnson and LeBron James. His nickname, “Jellybean”, earned due to his fondness for the sweet treat, became synonymous with his playing style and personality on and off the court.
Joe Bryant’s relationship with his son Kobe was complex, evolving from a close bond during Kobe’s childhood and high school years at Lower Merion to a more strained connection as Kobe sought independence in his professional career with the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite the challenges in their relationship, Joe Bryant’s impact on the basketball world and his son’s legendary career remains undeniable.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
