Kobe Bryant’s father, Joe Bryant, passes away at 69 years old.

Joe Bryant, a former NBA player and father of Basketball Hall of Fame guard Kobe Bryant, passed away at the age of 69, La Salle University announced on Tuesday.

Joe Bryant, affectionately known as “Jellybean,” a former NBA player and father of Basketball Hall of Fame guard Kobe Bryant, passed away at the age of 69, as announced by La Salle University on Tuesday. Bryant, who played for La Salle from 1973 to 1975 and later coached the Explorers from 1993 to 1996, had a notable career in the NBA from 1975 to 1983, playing for the Philadelphia 76ers, San Diego Clippers, and Houston Rockets, as well as in Europe.

“The school expressed profound sorrow over the passing of La Salle basketball legend Joe Bryant,” according to their statement. “He was a cherished member of the Explorer family and will be greatly missed.”

Following his NBA career, Bryant played professionally in Italy from 1983 to 1991, concluding his playing days with French team Mulhouse in 1991. He averaged 8.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game during his NBA tenure.

Joe Bryant also had a successful coaching career, achieving a 40-24 record over parts of three seasons with the Women’s NBA Los Angeles Sparks. He further coached teams in Asia, including clubs in Tokyo, Hokkaido, Bangkok, and Fukuoka.

Kobe Bryant, who was born while his father played for the Philadelphia 76ers, went on to become a five-time NBA champion, two-time Olympic gold medalist, and the 2008 NBA Most Valuable Player. He spent his entire NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers from 1996 to 2016. Kobe Bryant tragically passed away in a helicopter crash in 2020 at the age of 41, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of basketball.