Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, father of basketball legend Kobe Bryant, has passed away at 69. The cause of death has not been officially revealed, but La Salle University, where Joe played and later coached, shared that he was a cherished member of their community.

La Salle’s head coach Fran Dunphy confirmed that Joe had recently suffered a severe stroke. For much of the last few years, Joe kept a low profile, especially following the heartbreaking loss of his son Kobe in a 2020 helicopter crash, which also took the life of his granddaughter, Gianna. Despite a complicated relationship with Kobe at times, Joe and his wife Pam attended the emotional memorial service in Los Angeles just after the tragedy.

Kobe had often credited his father for shaping his basketball IQ. “He taught me how to view the game, how to prepare, how to execute,” Kobe once said. Joe’s own basketball career spanned the NBA and overseas, playing for the Philadelphia 76ers, Clippers, and Rockets. He was known for his scoring ability at La Salle University, averaging 20.8 points per game, and was drafted by the Golden State Warriors in 1975.

After retiring from playing, Joe transitioned into coaching, leaving a legacy as a mentor at every level, from the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks to various international teams. He was remembered fondly by former teammates and players, including Doug Young, who called Joe a “role model” and praised his positive influence.

Kobe’s widow, Vanessa, expressed her condolences on Instagram, recalling Joe’s kindness and the deep love Kobe had for his father. The basketball world mourns the loss of a true Philly hoops legend, whose impact went far beyond the court.