Joe Bryant, the father of the legendary NBA player Kobe Bryant, has tragically passed away at the age of 69. The news of his passing was confirmed by La Salle University’s athletics department.

According to reports, Joe Bryant had recently suffered a stroke, although the exact cause of death has not been confirmed. He was a former professional basketball player himself, known affectionately by his nickname “Jellybean.” Joe Bryant hailed from Philadelphia, where he played college basketball for La Salle University from 1973 to 1975.In the 1975 NBA draft, Joe Bryant was selected as the 14th overall pick by the Golden State Warriors. He went on to play for various teams throughout his career, including the Philadelphia 76ers, the San Diego Clippers, and the Houston Rockets. Additionally, Joe Bryant also played professional basketball in Europe, notably in Italy. He later returned to La Salle University as a member of the coaching staff from 1993 to 1996.

La Salle’s men’s basketball team expressed their heartfelt condolences, describing Joe Bryant as a beloved member of their basketb