“Our hearts go out to the Bryant family once again, as they face yet another devastating loss.

Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, the father of NBA icon Kobe Bryant and a former professional basketball player in his own right, has tragically passed away at the age of 69.

While the exact cause of death has not been officially disclosed, it is known that Joe had been battling health issues in recent months, including a severe stroke, which was confirmed by La Salle University and his longtime friend and coach, Fran Dunphy.

Joe’s passing marks another immense loss for the Bryant family, which has already been through unparalleled grief following the heartbreaking death of Kobe in a helicopter crash four years ago.

For years, Joe Bryant had stepped out of the public eye, preferring to live a quieter, more private life after the tragic death of his son. Yet, his contributions to the game of basketball, both as a player and as a coach, remain significant and far-reaching.

His legacy lives on not only through his children but also in the many players and coaches he influenced over the years, particularly in Philadelphia, where he became a local legend.Continue reading…