Joe Bryant, known as “Jellybean,” has died at 69 after reportedly suffering a severe stroke. La Salle University, where he played and coached, shared that he “was a beloved member of the Explorer family and will be dearly missed.”

He was also the father of Kobe Bryant, who passed away in the 2020 Calabasas helicopter crash. Kobe once credited his father for shaping his game, saying Joe taught him “from an early age how to view the game, how to prepare for the game and how to execute.”

Joe Bryant built a strong basketball career of his own. At La Salle, he averaged 20.8 points per game before being drafted in 1975 by the Golden State Warriors. He later played for teams including the Philadelphia 76ers, who honored him by saying, “Joe ‘Jellybean’ Bryant was a local basketball icon.”

Beyond playing, he influenced many as a coach and mentor. He worked at different levels of the sport, including coaching the Los Angeles Sparks. Those who knew him remembered his positive impact and leadership.

Former teammate Doug Young described him as a “role model,” adding, “He made basketball fun and made us all want to be better.” Joe Bryant’s legacy lives on through the players he guided, the teams he served, and the lasting influence he had on the game.