Joe Bryant, the father of the late Kobe Bryant, has died at 69 years old.
Bryant was the No. 14 overall pick in the 1975 NBA Draft out of La Salle University. He played eight seasons in the NBA for the Philadelphia 76ers, San Diego Clippers, and Houston Rockets. He later played several years of basketball overseas in Italy and France.
After his playing career, he had a lengthy coaching career as well. That included time as an assistant at his alma mater, La Salle. He also coached in the WNBA for the Los Angeles Sparks and in Japan and Thailand.
Alongside his son, Bryant was also briefly a minority owner for the Olimpia Milano club in Italy. Many fans and teams paid their respects for the former NBA player, whose son won five NBA championships and tragically died in 2020:
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. pic.twitter.com/A3sgZzVkkt
— La Salle Men’s Basketball (@LaSalle_MBB) July 16, 2024
The basketball community has lost a Legend. Our hearts are with the family, friends and fans of Joe "Jellybean" Bryant.#LegendsForever pic.twitter.com/RNTZO6iknf
— NBA Alumni 🏀 (@NBAalumni) July 16, 2024
RIP Joe “Jellybean” Bryant
Here he is putting Kareem on a poster in 1979 pic.twitter.com/fS6jzINwEg
— Brett Usher (@UsherNBA) July 16, 2024
Sad day today, Joe “Jelly Bean” Bryant passed away. pic.twitter.com/e07cLd7lcZ
— Sam Rines (@CoachSamRines) July 16, 2024
RIP Joe “Jellybean” Bryant 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/EMql5ymabz
— Kobe Bryant Stories & Motivation (@kobehighlight) July 16, 2024
Sending condolences to the Bryant family on the passing of Joe "Jellybean" Bryant. A basketball legend & devoted family man. pic.twitter.com/mWpC7MriL1
— KJ (@PointForwardPro) July 16, 2024
RIP to Kobe’s dad Joe “Jellybean” Bryant ❤️pic.twitter.com/PrxExxGjMp
— Whistle (@WhistleSports) July 16, 2024
Rest in peace to Joe ‘Jellybean’ Bryant, La Salle great and father of the late Kobe Bryant. pic.twitter.com/QiJHjMktcX
— Olney Fans (@TheGolaStandard) July 16, 2024
