Joe Jellybean Bryant Suddenly Passed Away At The Age Of 69
Joe “Jellybean” Bryant was the father of the late great NBA Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant. Many people have heard of Joe but what do they really know about the great Jellybean? Just know he was a baller too.
Who Is Joe Jellybean Bryant?
The Golden State Warriors drafted Joe Bryant in the 1975 draft at pick 14. In today’s game pick 14 is considered a lottery pick so that means the man was good. Joe passed away Tuesday at the age of 69. He had a great college career at Lasalle University and he also was a coach for them in the 90s.
According to the New York Times, “His death was confirmed by the athletic department at La Salle University in Philadelphia, where he played college basketball. It did not say where he died or give the cause of death.”
The Joe Jellybean Bryant’s Stats And Story
It’s unfortunate for the Bryant family considering what we all know about Kobe and his daughter dying in the terrible helicopter crash back in January of 2020. But back to Joe. He ended up bouncing around the NBA for years with the 76ers, to whom the Warriors sold his rights, the Clippers who were the San Diego Clippers then and also the Houston Rockets. He played a total of 606 games altogether and averaged 8.7 points per game.
Related Story: Happy Heavenly Birthday Kobe Bryant
He started his international career in France and Italy where he is mostly known for playing. And of course, that’s where the Legendary Kobe Bryant was born. Kobe grew up in Italy until heading to the USA when he was 13.
Kobe was already fluent in Italian, and familiar with the European game because of his dad. Joe Jellybean Bryant also became a worldwide coach coach in Italy, Japan, and Thailand. He also coached in the WNBA with the LA Sparks in the same city as his son was playing for the Lakers. Joe was a 6’9” Forward who could do it all and was born in Philadelphia so he had that Philly toughness. He had a cool smile a great man indeed. Everyone loved to be around him and we could just imagine the battles in the gym between him and a young Kobe Bryant!
Rest In Paradise Joe Jellybean Bryant. your legacy lives on!
