Brace yourselves as we announce the departure of Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, the man who could slam dunk a jellybean into a jar from half-court. Joe, a former NBA player known for his sugary smooth moves, has dribbled his way off this mortal coil at the age of 69.
Reports from the Philadelphia Inquirer suggest that Joe recently experienced a stroke of fate—literally, a massive one. It seems even the toughest jellybeans have a soft spot after all.
Joe’s NBA escapades began in 1975 with the Philadelphia 76ers, where he dazzled fans and opponents alike with his sweet shots and jellified jukes. He also brought his flavorful flair to the San Diego Clippers and the Houston Rockets, leaving trails of jellybean wrappers in every arena he visited. Post his slam-dunking days, Joe took his talents to the sidelines as a coach, teaching young hoopsters the art of bean bouncing.
In a poignant twist of life’s layups, Joe’s passing occurs four and a half years after the tragic helicopter crash that claimed his son Kobe and granddaughter Gianna. Kobe, who inherited his dad’s jellybean genes and elevated them to Mamba status, was just 41. Gianna, already on her way to becoming a jellybean juggernaut herself, was only 13.
So, let’s raise our jellybeans in honor of Joe Bryant—a man whose legacy will always be sweet.
We are saddened to announce the passing of La Salle basketball great Joe Bryant.
Joe played for the Explorers from 1973-75 and was a member of our coaching staff from 1993-96. He was a beloved member of the Explorer family and will be dearly missed. pic.twitter.com/A3sgZzVkkt
— La Salle Men’s Basketball (@LaSalle_MBB) July 16, 2024