Joe Bryant, Kobe's father, dead at age 69
The Peninsula
New York: Joe Jellybean Bryant, a former NBA player and father of Basketball Hall of Fame guard Kobe Bryant, has died at the age of 69, La Salle Uni...
New York: Joe "Jellybean" Bryant, a former NBA player and father of Basketball Hall of Fame guard Kobe Bryant, has died at the age of 69, La Salle University announced on Tuesday.
Bryant played at the Philadelphia school from 1973-1975 and coached the Explorers from 1993-96 after a career that saw him play from 1975-1983 for the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers, then-San Diego Clippers and Houston Rockets as well as in Europe.
"We are saddened to announce the passing of La Salle basketball great Joe Bryant," the school said in a statement. "He was a beloved member of the Explorer family and will be dearly missed."
Bryant, a forward, played in Italy from 1983-1991 before closing his playing days with French side Mulhouse in 1991.
For his NBA career, Bryant averaged 8.7 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.7 assists a game.
