The basketball community is grieving again as Joe “Jellybean” Bryant — former NBA player, respected coach, and father of Kobe Bryant — has passed away at 69. La Salle University, where he once starred and later served as a coach, confirmed the news with a tribute describing him as a beloved figure who left a lasting mark on the program.
His death reopens deep wounds for a family already shattered by unimaginable tragedy. Since the fatal helicopter crash that took Kobe and his daughter Gianna in January 2020, the Bryant family has continued to navigate grief. Losing Joe now is yet another painful chapter in a story filled with both greatness and sorrow.
La Salle head coach Fran Dunphy shared that Joe had recently experienced a serious stroke. “He was a constant presence here,” Dunphy said. “He brought joy and passion to basketball. It was impossible not to feel energized when he walked into the gym.”
A Life Built on Basketball
Born in Philadelphia in 1954, Joe Bryant grew up in a city where the game is woven into everyday life. His smooth playstyle, confidence, and creativity made him a local standout long before anyone knew his name worldwide.
During his collegiate years at La Salle, Joe averaged more than 20 points per game and became one of the school’s most captivating talents. He brought flair and entertainment to every possession, thrilling crowds and earning admiration throughout Philly.
Drafted in 1975, he began his NBA career with the Philadelphia 76ers after being traded from the Golden State Warriors. Fans who had watched him rise from local playgrounds now cheered him on in packed arenas.
The 76ers honored him following his passing:
“Joe ‘Jellybean’ Bryant was a true Philadelphia legend. His impact was felt not only through his skill but through the inspiration he gave to young athletes across the city.”
Joe went on to play eight seasons in the NBA before continuing his career overseas in Italy — a move that would shape the life of his young son, Kobe. Those years abroad helped define Kobe’s worldview, discipline, and basketball foundation.
Kobe often said his father didn’t just teach him the game — he taught him how to think it.
“He showed me how to prepare,” Kobe once said. “How to play with joy, purpose, and grace.”
A Coach and Mentor Who Loved the Game
After finishing his playing career, Joe moved into coaching both in the U.S. and internationally. He brought humor, intelligence, and creativity wherever he went. His coaching tenure included leading the Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA, where players admired him for the respect and encouragement he showed them.
Teammates, colleagues, and players remember him as someone who genuinely cared. “He made the sport fun again,” said Doug Young, a close friend of Kobe’s. “He inspired people to be their best — on the court and off.”
Arn Tellem, Kobe’s longtime agent, described Joe as someone who carried warmth and humor everywhere he went. “He was a teacher in every sense,” Tellem said. “His love for his family and for basketball was unmistakable.”
A Legacy That Stands on Its Own
Although many referred to him as Kobe Bryant’s father, those who knew Joe say he always had his own identity in the basketball world. He took pride in watching Kobe excel but remained grounded and humble, letting his son shine while staying connected to the game he loved.
Their relationship experienced its challenges over the years, especially after Kobe’s marriage, but they reconnected in the years before Kobe’s passing. Basketball remained their shared language — a bond that never broke completely.
When Kobe and Gianna died, Joe and his wife Pam stepped away from the spotlight, choosing to grieve privately. Friends said Joe was devastated. The loss changed him. It dimmed the spark that once followed him everywhere.
Quiet Influence in His Final Years
Even as he grew older, Joe found ways to stay involved in the sport. He occasionally attended youth games, offering advice and encouragement, treating young athletes with the same attention he once gave professionals. He shared what he loved most — the joy of the game.
His impact was never measured only by stats. It lived in moments — a good word, a coaching tip, a story told with a smile. His influence reached across generations.
A Family Legacy of Inspiration
Joe Bryant’s legacy cannot be separated from the lessons he passed on. He raised one of the most influential athletes in history. He built communities in every place the game took him. He gave people a reason to fall in love with basketball.
Now, with both father and son gone, the story of their connection continues to resonate — from Philly playgrounds to NBA arenas and everywhere in between. Their lives remain intertwined in the heart of the sport.
La Salle’s tribute summed it up perfectly:
“Joe Bryant embodied the spirit of an Explorer — bold, talented, and driven to push the game forward. His influence will be felt for generations.”
His lasting gift
Joe “Jellybean” Bryant showed us what passion looks like — how love for a game can become love for a community, a family, and a purpose.
The Bryant family is once again surrounded by grief, but they are also surrounded by the legacy Joe leaves behind — one built on kindness, creativity, and the joy of teaching the next person how to play.
His story lives on not only through Kobe’s greatness, but through every player he helped believe in themselves.
That is the legacy of Joe Bryant.
And like the Bryant name itself, it will never fade.