Joe Bryant, Kobe’s father, died at 69. He also played for Viola Reggio Calabria

John

By John

He died at the age of 69 Joe “Jellybean” BryantKobe Bryant’s father. The news of his death has deeply affected the basketball world, including the Calabrian one where he had played for Viola Reggio Calabria. Joe Bryant died of a heart attack, as reported by the Philly Inquirer and confirmed by La Salle coach Fran Dunphy. This sad event occurs four and a half years after the tragic death of his son Kobe and granddaughter Gigi, which occurred on January 26, 2020 in a helicopter crash that shook the entire sports world.

Joe Bryant He had a significant career in both the United States and Italy. After being selected in the first round of the 1975 NBA draft by the Golden State Warriors, he was immediately transferred to the Philadelphia 76ers, where he remained for four years and played an NBA Finals in 1977. In 1983, he moved to Italy, where he played for eight years in different teams: AMG Sebastiani Rieti, Viola Reggio Calabria, Maltinti Pistoia and Pallacanestro Reggiana. During his time in Italy, he contributed significantly to Italian basketball and left an indelible memory.

Joe Bryant’s stay in Italy not only enriched the Italian basketball scene, but also had a profound impact on Kobe’s growth. Young Kobe spent part of his childhood in Italy, an experience that significantly influenced his career and personality, as he often recalled during his years as an NBA star.

The basketball community, both in Italy and in the United States, will remember Joe Bryant not only for his contributions on the court, but also for the legacy he left through his son Kobe, one of the greatest basketball players of all time.