It’s another sad day for the basketball community around the world as, after four years of Black Mamba’s departure, his father Joe Bryant has passed away at the age of 69. Kobe Bryant‘s father, Joe Bryant, had a unique nickname. But what was it, and why did he get it?

Joe Bryant’s playful nickname was “Jellybean,” and it wasn’t just random. The reason Bryant was called Jellybean was his sweet tooth and his affinity for candy. The moniker stuck with him throughout his career and beyond, reflecting a playful side that complemented his athletic prowess. Let’s revisit Jellybean’s journey in basketball.

Navigating NBA and Beyond: Joe Bryant’s Versatile Career Journey

Joe Bryant’s NBA career had an interesting twist right from the start. He embarked on his basketball journey at La Salle University in Philadelphia, where he played collegiately before making his way to a bigger stage. Drafted 14th overall in 1975 by the Golden State Warriors, Joe seemed destined for a West Coast beginning in the NBA. However, in a surprising turn of events, the Warriors made a move before the rookie season even began, selling his draft rights to the Philadelphia 76ers.

Throughout his NBA career, Jellybean also showcased his talents with the San Diego Clippers and the Houston Rockets, maintaining averages of 8.7 points and four rebounds per game. He played 606 games in that period, and his journey across teams underscored his versatility and enduring passion for the game, leaving a lasting impression on the basketball world.

Bryant’s impact on basketball goes beyond his time in the NBA. Following his NBA career, Joe Bryant embraced international opportunities, playing in France and Italy, expanding his basketball journey beyond the borders of the United States. He concluded his playing career in 1992, marking the end of his tenure as an active player.

After hanging up his jersey, he embarked on a coaching odyssey that spanned across continents, including coaching roles with teams in Italy, Japan, and Thailand. He also served as an assistant coach and eventually took the helm as head coach for the Los Angeles Sparks, the same city where his son, NBA legend Kobe Bryant, would later achieve superstardom with the Los Angeles Lakers. The father’s career had an impact on his son as well. Let’s talk about that.

How Joe Bryant’s Journey Influenced Black Mamba?

The relationship between Joe Bryant and his son Kobe Bryant has been documented as complex at times. However, there’s no denying the impact Joe’s basketball journey had on Kobe’s phenomenal career.

The years spent in Italy during his childhood weren’t just a change of scenery for Kobe Bryant; they were a formative experience that ignited a passion for the game. It was on Italian courts that Kobe truly began to develop his skills, honing his talent alongside a newfound love for the sport.

However, as he approached his teenage years, the family relocated back to the Philadelphia area. This shift marked a new chapter, with Kobe Bryant blossoming into a high school star. His talent was undeniable, and just four years later, he found himself drafted into the NBA, ready to take his Italian-infused passion to the biggest stage.

As basketball mourns Joe Bryant’s loss, Jellybean’s basketball journey and its influence on his son Kobe Bryant’s illustrious career will forever be cherished and remembered.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud, Caitlin Clark’s Olympic snub, and more, watch this video.