Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, father of NBA legend Kobe Bryant and former NBA player, has died at 69. La Salle University, where he both played and coached, called him “a beloved member of the Explorer family” who would be “dearly missed.” Fran Dunphy, La Salle’s head coach, revealed Bryant had recently suffered a severe stroke before his passing.

Since Kobe’s tragic helicopter crash in 2020, Joe Bryant had mostly stayed out of the public eye. Despite this, his influence on Kobe’s career was immense. Kobe often credited his father for teaching him to “view the game, prepare for the game, and execute,” highlighting Joe’s deep understanding of basketball strategy and discipline.

As a college athlete, Bryant shone at La Salle University, averaging 20.8 points per game. He was selected in the 1975 NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors and debuted professionally with the Philadelphia 76ers. He also played for the San Diego Clippers and Houston Rockets, earning a reputation as a skilled and entertaining player.

The 76ers remembered him as “a local basketball icon” whose impact extended beyond the court. Doug Young, a former teammate of Kobe, called Joe a “role model” who inspired young athletes. “He made basketball fun,” Young said, “and made us all want to be better.”

Bryant also had a coaching career, including time with the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks. Arn Tellem, Kobe’s former agent, summed up his legacy: “a true Philly hoops legend… whose warmth touched everyone he met.” His life left a lasting mark on basketball, both through his own achievements and the lessons he passed to his son and others.