Joe Bryant

American basketball head coach and retired player (1954–2024)

Joseph Washington "Jellybean" Bryant (October 19, 1954 – July 16, 2024) was an American retired professional basketball player, coach, and the father of the former Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant.

Joe Bryant
Bryant coaching Levanga Hokkaido in 2010
Personal information
Born(1954-10-19)October 19, 1954
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
DiedJuly 16, 2024(2024-07-16) (aged 69)
Listed height206 cm (6 ft 9 in)
Listed weight84 kg (185 lb)
Career information
High schoolJohn Bartram
(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
CollegeLa Salle (1973–1975)
NBA draft1975 / Round: 1 / Pick: 14th overall
Selected by the Golden State Warriors
Playing career1975–1992
PositionPower forward / Center
Number23, 22
Coaching career2003–present
Career history
As player:
19751979Philadelphia 76ers
19791982San Diego Clippers
1982–1983Houston Rockets
1984–1986AMG Sebastiani Rieti
1986–1987Standa Reggio Calabria
1987–1989Olimpia Pistoia
1989–1991Reggiana
1991–1992FC Mulhouse Basket
As coach:
2003–2004Las Vegas Rattlers
2004–2005Boston Frenzy
20062007Los Angeles Sparks
2007–2009Tokyo Apache
2010–2011Levanga Hokkaido
2011Los Angeles Sparks
2012Bangkok Cobras
2013Chang Thailand Slammers
2015Rizing Fukuoka
Career NBA and Serie A statistics
Points12,584 (14.8 ppg)
Rebounds4,012 (4.7 rpg)
Assists1,595 (1.9 apg)
Stats at Basketball-Reference.com

Bryant was the head coach of the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks from August 22, 2005, until April 4, 2007.[1] He returned to that position for the remainder of the 2011 WNBA season after Jennifer Gillom was fired by the Los Angeles Sparks on July 10, 2011.

Bryant also coached in Italy, Japan and Thailand.

Bryant died on July 16, 2024 from a massive stroke at the age of 69.[2]

References

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  1. "ESPN.com – WNBA – Bryant out, Cooper Back in as Sparks Coach". ESPN.
  2. Philly hoops great Joe Bryant, father of NBA legend Kobe, has died