Former NBA Player Joe Bryant, Father of Kobe Bryant, Dies at 69
Obituary and Career Highlights
Los Angeles Sparks Head Coach and La Salle University Athletic Director
Former NBA player Joe Bryant, father of the late NBA great Kobe Bryant, died on Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at the age of 69, according to La Salle University. Bryant was a skilled basketball player who played in the NBA for eight seasons before transitioning to coaching. He served as head coach of the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks from 2005 to 2007 and returned to that position for the remainder of the 2011 WNBA season.Joe Bryant was also the athletic director at La Salle University from 2016 to 2019. During his tenure, he oversaw the athletic department and mentored student-athletes, contributing to the university's athletic and academic success.
Joe Bryant's passion for basketball extended beyond his playing and coaching career. He instilled a love for the game in his son, Kobe, who became one of the most iconic players in NBA history. Kobe Bryant often credited his father with teaching him the fundamentals of basketball and shaping his approach to the game.
Joe Bryant's legacy will live on through his contributions to the sport of basketball and his impact on the lives of countless student-athletes. His passing is a significant loss for the basketball community and beyond.
No further details about Joe Bryant's death have been released at this time. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.
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