Joe Bryant, the father of the late NBA star Kobe Bryant and a renowned basketball legend in his own right, has reportedly passed away at the age of 69.
The news of his death has sent shockwaves through the basketball community, with fans and fellow players mourning the loss of a man who greatly influenced the sport.
Joe Bryant, affectionately known as “Jellybean,” had an illustrious career both as a player and coach. His legacy is further cemented by his son Kobe’s iconic career, making the Bryant family name synonymous with basketball excellence.
Joe Bryant’s death comes four and a half years after his son Kobe Bryant, 41, and granddaughter Gigi, 13, lost their lives in a tragic helicopter crash.
Joe Bryant started coaching basketball after his playing days, both internationally and domestically, including a one-year stint as the head coach for the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks.
Along with Kobe, Joe and his wife Pam Bryant have two daughters, Sharia and Shaya.