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

Joe’s guidance helped shape Kobe into one of the greatest basketball players of all time, and Kobe never failed to recognize the debt he owed his father for those early lessons.

In addition to his influence on Kobe, Joe Bryant was a beloved figure in the Philadelphia basketball community. The 76ers, his former team, honored Joe by naming him a “local basketball icon.”

Joe’s legacy extends far beyond the NBA, and his contributions to the sport were felt not just in the United States, but across the globe.

As a coach, he built a reputation for his leadership skills, his basketball intelligence, and his calm demeanor under pressure. He influenced countless players who were lucky enough to be mentored by him, both in the U.S. and internationally.

Joe’s impact as a coach also extended to the younger generations of players.Continue reading…