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.
Remembering the Charm of Dolly Pegs
Ah, the memories of days gone by. Do you recall those lovable wooden dolls that used to adorn your grandma’s clothesline? They were called dolly pegs, and they possessed a certain allure that is difficult to resist. In this article, let’s take a trip down memory lane and explore why these petite wooden companions still hold a special place in our hearts, even in the 21st century.
Dolly pegs are the adorable wooden clothespins that resembled miniature people. They had a head, a body, and a pair of tiny wooden arms. However, they were more than just laundry accessories in their time – they were a form of do-it-yourself art and a wellspring of boundless creativity.
Do you ever find yourself reminiscing about the good old days? Well, that is precisely why we are discussing dolly pegs now. These wooden dolls harken back to sunny afternoons spent playing in the backyard and helping out with chores. Remember giving them amusing names and creating epic adventures? Those were truly wonderful times, weren’t they?
One of the most fantastic aspects of dolly pegs is their versatility. You do not need to possess extraordinary crafting skills to transform them into something extraordinary. With some paint, fabric, and a dash of imagination, you can fashion personalized ornaments, fridge magnets, or even little companions for your desk. It is a marvelous way to stimulate your creative spirit without straining your wallet.
In a world brimming with flashy gadgets, it is refreshing to encounter something simple yet captivating. Dolly pegs offer a breath of fresh air for children. They provide a marvelous DIY project that fosters fine motor skills and encourages imaginative play. Furthermore, it presents an opportunity for them to disconnect from screens and allow their creativity to roam free.
But dolly pegs are not solely for the little ones – they can also infuse warmth into your home decor. Picture a delightful row of peg people hanging from a string, brightening your day each time you pass them by. It is a modest yet effective way to infuse your living space with character and charm.
So there you have it – the humble dolly pegs are reclaiming their place in the most delightful manner. They may be unpretentious, but their ability to trigger memories, ignite creativity, and evoke a sense of nostalgia is truly remarkable. So, why not dust off those old wooden pegs and embark on a journey of do-it-yourself delight? Sometimes, it is the simplest things in life that bring us the greatest joy.
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