Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, Father of Kobe Bryant and Beloved Basketball Mentor, Dies at 69
Just when the world thought the Bryant family had endured its darkest days, tragedy has struck once more. Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, father of the late NBA legend Kobe Bryant and a revered basketball figure in his own right, has died at the age of 69.
La Salle University — where Bryant starred as a college player before returning years later to coach — confirmed his passing, remembering him as “a beloved member of the Explorer family who will be dearly missed.”
Head coach Fran Dunphy noted that Bryant had suffered a severe stroke in recent years, spending much of his final days in quiet resilience.
Though often seen in the shadow of his son’s global fame, Joe Bryant’s influence on Kobe’s life and career ran deep. Kobe frequently credited his father for instilling in him the discipline, creativity, and relentless work ethic that defined his Hall of Fame career. “He taught me how to see the game — how to think it through before I ever stepped on the court,” Kobe once said.
Bryant’s own basketball journey began at La Salle University, where he averaged an impressive 20.8 points per game before being drafted by the Golden State Warriors in 1975. He went on to play for the Philadelphia 76ers, San Diego Clippers, and Houston Rockets, later continuing his career overseas in Italy — a move that would profoundly shape Kobe’s upbringing.
After his playing days, Bryant turned to coaching, sharing his knowledge and passion for the game with players at every level, including a stint in the WNBA with the Los Angeles Sparks. His easygoing nature, infectious smile, and love for teaching left an enduring impression on those who played under him.
Former players and colleagues describe Bryant as both mentor and motivator. Doug Young, a former teammate of Kobe’s, recalled, “He made basketball fun and pushed everyone around him to be better. You couldn’t help but love the game when you were around him.”
🔹 A Legacy Beyond the Game
Joe “Jellybean” Bryant’s passing marks another poignant chapter in a family story defined by greatness and grief. Yet his life remains a testament to the lasting power of mentorship, perseverance, and love — both for the sport he cherished and for the family that carried his legacy forward.
As a player, coach, and father, Bryant’s impact reached far beyond the stat sheets. His influence lives on — in every player he inspired, in every lesson he passed down, and in the enduring shadow of the son who called him his first coach and his greatest teacher.
Joe “Jellybean” Bryant (1955–2025) — remembered not only for his game, but for the generations he shaped through it.