Joe Bryant, father of the late basketball legend Kobe Bryant, has sadly passed away at the age of 69. An accomplished athlete in his own right, Joe enjoyed a successful career in the NBA, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. Let’s take a closer look at his remarkable journey.

A Towering Presence in the NBA

Standing at an impressive 6 foot 9 inches, Joe Bryant, affectionately known as ‘Jellybean’, was a force to be reckoned with on the basketball court. He played for esteemed teams such as the Philadelphia 76ers, San Diego Clippers, and Houston Rockets. In fact, he was three inches taller than his son Kobe, who would later follow in his footsteps.

After a standout college basketball career at La Salle University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Joe Bryant was selected as a first-round draft pick, 14th overall, by the Golden State Warriors. This marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey that would captivate fans around the world.

A Devoted Family Man

Joe Bryant’s dedication to both his family and the game of basketball was unwavering. In 1975, he married Pam Cox, the sister of former NBA star Chubby Cox. Together, they had three children – two daughters, Sharia and Shaya, and their only son, Kobe. Their love and support for each other would become the bedrock of their family’s extraordinary success.

Stepping Back to Support His Son

Joe Bryant’s coaching career began at Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy, a private Jewish school in Pennsylvania, in 1992. The following year, he returned to his alma mater, La Salle, as an assistant coach. However, when Kobe made his NBA debut, Joe decided to put his coaching career on hold to fully support his son’s journey to greatness.

For seven years, Joe dedicated himself to being there for Kobe, attending every game and providing invaluable guidance. His sacrifice and unwavering belief in his son paid off, as Kobe went on to become one of the greatest basketball players of all time.

A Legacy That Transcends Borders

After his hiatus from coaching, Joe Bryant returned to the sidelines in 2003, sharing his expertise and passion for the game. He continued to inspire and mentor players until 2015 when he decided to retire after a year in the Japanese league. Joe’s impact reached far beyond the confines of the NBA, as he also played nine years in Italy and one year in France.

A Remarkable Sporting Career

Over the course of his 16-year playing career, Joe Bryant showcased his skills and contributed significantly to the success of his teams. He scored an impressive 5,252 points, with an average of 8.7 per game, made 2,441 rebounds, averaging 4.0 per game, and provided 1,049 assists – an average of 1.7 per game. His dedication and talent continue to serve as an inspiration to emerging athletes around the world.

Joe Bryant will always be remembered as a loving father, a skilled athlete, and a passionate coach. His legacy lives on through his son Kobe and the countless lives he touched throughout his career. May both father and son forever rest in peace, leaving an enduring mark on the world of basketball.