Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, the father of the late Basketball Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant, has died at the age of 69, La Salle University’s athletics department reported.
Citing La Salle men’s head basketball coach Fran Dunphy, The Philadelphia Inquirer wrote Joe had recently suffered a stoke. The exact cause of death hasn’t been confirmed yet.
La Salle University, where Joe played and coached, said in a statement that he “was a beloved member of the Explorer family and will be dearly missed.”
Just like his famous son, Joe was a renowned basketball player himself. Drafted by the Golden State Warriors as the 14th overall pick in the 1975 NBA draft, he played for the Philadelphia 76ers for four seasons, the then-San Diego Clippers for three seasons, and the Houston Rockets for one season. He also played in Europe.
The 76ers paid tribute to Joe, calling him “a local basketball icon, whose legacy on the court transcended his journey across Bartram High School, La Salle University, and his first four NBA seasons with the 76ers from 1975-79.”
Joe’s sudden passing comes four years after the tragic death of his son Kobe and his granddaughter Gianna, who were killed in a helicopter crash with seven other people.
Kobe’s widow, Vanessa Bryant, wrote on her Instagram story on Tuesday, “Sending our condolences upon hearing the news of my father-in-law’s passing.
“We hoped things would’ve been different. Although the times we spent together were few, he was always sweet and nice to be around. Kobe loved him very much.”
Former Kobe teammate Doug Young praised Joe as the ideal “role model.”
“Joe was our JV coach at Lower Merion and I could not have asked for a more positive mentor, teacher, and role model,” Young told ESPN. “It’s difficult to overstate how much he influenced me and my teammates. He made basketball fun and made us all want to be better; he believed in us. I’ll never forget his infectious smile, his bear hugs and the incredible bond he shared with Kobe. Growing up in Lower Merion, there was no family we loved and admired more than the Bryants, and that started with Joe.”
Arn Tellem, the vice chairman of the Pistons and formerly Kobe Bryant’s agent, expressed his sadness over the loss of Joe and joined the basketball community in mourning a true Philly hoops legend. “Our friendship opened the door for me to represent Kobe as he entered the NBA, a memory I’ll always cherish. Joe was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, whose warmth touched everyone he met.”
May he rest in peace.
Why Everyone Is Talking About the ‘Woman in a Boat’ Riddle and How It Will Test Your Wits!
Do you think you’ve seen it all on your smartphone? Think again! Just when you thought you were done browsing endless cat videos and meme compilations, a riddle has surfaced that will make your brain do somersaults. Enter the ‘woman in a boat riddle,’ the latest sensation that’s got everyone scratching their heads—from seasoned riddle solvers to complete novices.
What makes this riddle the talk of the town? Well, it’s not just about high IQ or endless hours spent on crossword puzzles. This one tests your ability to pay attention and stretch that creative muscle hidden in your brain. Brace yourself; this is no ordinary riddle. Here’s what we’re dealing with:
‘Ready for the answer? The answer is ‘Andrew.’’
Wait, what now? Andrew? How does ‘Andrew’ solve the riddle involving a woman in a boat? Take a deep breath and think about it. The phrase ‘and drew his name’ transforms ingeniously into ‘Andrew’s his name.’ Yep, it’s that simple and that brilliant. The wordplay is what makes this riddle so tricky yet fantastically entertaining, roping in curious minds from every corner of the internet.
But what’s the point, you ask? Why should you care about solving this riddle? Well, for starters, it’s a fantastic mental exercise. At a time when our attention spans are shorter than ever, thanks to endless scrolling and binge-watching, this riddle serves as a refreshing break. So go ahead, rustle up some courage, and take this quirky challenge head-on. You might just surprise yourself—or at the very least, get a good laugh out of it!
Whether you fancy yourself a riddle aficionado or you’re just seeking a fun, mental stretch, the woman in a boat riddle offers a delightful way to put your thinking cap on. Dive in, engage that brain, and let the cleverness of this riddle brighten your day.
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