Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, father of NBA legend Kobe Bryant, has died at 69. La Salle University confirmed his passing, noting he had suffered a severe stroke months earlier.

Joe’s death brings fresh heartbreak to the Bryant family, still mourning Kobe’s tragic helicopter crash four years ago. Once a public figure, Joe had chosen a quieter life after his son’s death, though his influence on the game remained strong.

A standout at La Salle University, Joe went on to play for the Philadelphia 76ers, San Diego Clippers, and Houston Rockets, averaging 8.7 points and 4 rebounds per game. Though he “never reached the level of fame his son Kobe would later achieve,” he was respected for his “work ethic, versatility, and leadership.”

After retiring, Joe turned to coaching, working in the U.S., Japan, and Thailand. He also coached the Los Angeles Sparks, where he earned a reputation for mentoring players and sharing his deep basketball knowledge. Kobe credited him for teaching him “how to truly see the game.”

Remembered as a “local basketball icon” in Philadelphia, Joe Bryant’s legacy extends far beyond the NBA — through his family, his players, and the lessons of humility and dedication he left behind.