People in the basketball world are sad about the death of Joe “Jellybean” Bryant. He was the father of the famous Kobe Bryant and a respected person in his own right. After 69 years, Joe left a mark on the sport and on the people who knew him.
Joe was a great player and coach at La Salle University, which called him a “beloved member of the Explorer family.” Fran Dunphy, the head coach, said that Joe had recently been through a serious stroke.
Joe had been quiet since the sad death of his son Kobe in 2020. But Kobe often talked about how much his father helped him with his basketball career. “He taught me how to view the game, prepare, and execute from an early age,” he once said.
Joe had a great basketball career. He averaged 20.8 points per game at La Salle University and played for the Golden State Warriors and the Philadelphia 76ers. The 76ers gave him an award for being a “local basketball icon.”
Doug Young, who used to play with Kobe, looked up to Joe as a role model. “He made basketball fun and inspired us to improve.” The WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks played for teams coached by Joe.
Kobe’s old agent, Arn Tellem, said that Joe was a “true Philly hoops legend” who made everyone feel welcome.
Joe “Jellybean” Bryant left a legacy that goes beyond what he did on the game. People will miss him a lot, but his love for basketball and family will live on in the hearts of many people.
