The father of the late basketball legend Kobe Bryant, Joe Jellybean Bryant, has died at the age of 69.
Jellybean’s alma mater, La Salle announced his death via a statement released on Tuesday, July 16th.
He had suffered a massive stroke in recent days, the Associated Press reported citing the Philadelphia Inquirer.
La Salle University in their statement announced their sorrow over the passing of a basketball great who was both a player (73-75) and coach (93-96) for the La Salle Explorers.
The statement noted he will be sorely missed following his passing.
After starring at La Salle, Jellybean was drafted with the no. 14 overall pick by the Golden State Warriors in the 1975 draft.
He quickly got traded back to Philadelphia where he played for the Sixers and subsequently the Clippers and Rockets.
Kobe Bryant was famous was being fluent in Italian and that was due to his father. Joe Bryant played internationally in Italy and France before his career wound down ensuring Kobe was raised in a foreign culture.
The two had a fraught relationship according to most reports but at the end of the day loved each other.
In a statement following Joe’s passing, Kobe’s widow Vanessa expressed her condolences at her father-in-law’s passing.
According to her, while they spent very little time together there was no doubt that Kobe loved his father very much.
Social media reactions to the death of Jellybean have been overwhelmingly positive with many social media users shocked at his passing.
Comments lamented the passing of a legend of basketball while others praised him for leaving behind an incredible legacy.
One comment also said despite the sad news, there is one ray of comfort in that Joe would now be resting easy as he has been reunited with his son, the legendary Kobe ‘Bean’ Bryant.
