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Joe "Jellybean" Bryant, a veteran professional basketball player whose extensive European career greatly influenced his Hall of Fame son Kobe, has passed away at the age of 69, officials confirmed on Tuesday.
"We are deeply saddened to report the passing of Joe Bryant, a legendary figure in La Salle basketball," said a statement from La Salle University, where he played from 1973 to 1975 and served as a coach from 1993 to 1996. "He was a treasured member of the Explorer family and will be sorely missed."
Bryant Sr. enjoyed an eight-season tenure in the NBA, playing for the Philadelphia 76ers, San Diego Clippers, and Houston Rockets from 1975 to 1983. The 76ers honored Bryant as a Philadelphia basketball "icon whose legacy on the court extended from Bartram High School to La Salle University, and through his initial four NBA seasons with the 76ers from 1975 to 1979."
"Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Bryant family," the team added. After his NBA career, Bryant spent another eight seasons playing for professional teams in France and Italy.
Kobe Bryant, born in 1978, spent much of his childhood in Italy, where he learned multiple languages and developed a deep appreciation for Italian culture.
The younger Bryant, named Bean after his father's nickname, went on to become the fourth-leading scorer in NBA history and is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.
Kobe Bryant, 41, tragically died in a helicopter crash near Los Angeles on January 26, 2020, along with his daughter Gianna and seven others.
During Kobe's posthumous Hall of Fame induction, his wife Vanessa Bryant acknowledged her in-laws.
"I invited my mother- and father-in-law to tonight's induction to thank them for bringing one of the most amazing human beings into this world," she said. "Pam and Joe, thank you for raising Kobe to be extraordinary."
On Tuesday, Vanessa shared her condolences on Instagram, expressing her wish that circumstances had been different.
"Although we didn't spend much time together, he was always kind and pleasant," she wrote. "Kobe loved him dearly. Our prayers are with the family."
