(ConservativeJournal.org) – The father of the late basketball legend Kobe Bryant, Joe Bryant, has died from a huge stroke. The death was announced by his former University, La Salle.
In the released statement, La Salle University expressed its sorrow and remembered Joe Bryant as a significant part of their basketball history. They also gave a brief history of Joe’s basketball career.
In his life, Joe Bryant played eight seasons in the NBA. He started with the Philadelphia 76ers after being traded from the Golden State Warriors, who drafted him as the 14th pick in 1975. His career continued internationally in France and Italy, where Kobe developed his passion for basketball and learned Italian.
The family returned to Philadelphia when Kobe turned 13, leading to Kobe’s rise as a high school star and subsequent NBA draft pick.
Kobe died in a brutal helicopter accident in 2020. His daughter died in the crash as well, along with seven other people. Joe attended the memorial service for Kobe and his daughter in Los Angeles a month after the accident.
Joe Bryant also had an extensive coaching career, including positions in Italy, Japan, Thailand, and with the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks, allowing him to coach in the same city where Kobe played.
Vanessa Bryant, Kobe’s widow, expressed her condolences on Instagram, saying she appreciates the times with him and stated that Kobe loved him dearly.
Arn Tellem, Kobe’s former agent, also paid tribute to Joe Bryant. He said that he was saddened by Joe’s death, referring to Joe by his nickname, “jellybean”. He went on to say Joe was a treasured member of the basketball community and that he also was a devoted husband and father. He finished his statement by saying he will always cherish their memories together.
Joe Bryant’s impact on basketball and his family will be remembered fondly by those who knew him and the entire NBA community.
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