“We had hoped for a different outcome. Despite our little time together, he was always kind and pleasant to be around. Kobe loved him dearly.
Doug Young, a former Kobe teammate, lauded Joe as the perfect “role model.” Young told ESPN, “I could not have asked for a more positive mentor,
teacher, and role model than Joe, who was our JV coach at Lower Merion.” It’s hard to exaggerate his impact on my teammates and myself.
He believed in us, made basketball enjoyable, and inspired all of us to improve. His contagious grin, his bear hugs, and the amazing relationship he had with Kobe are memories.
I will always cherish. The Bryant family was the most adored and respected family in Lower Merion when we were kids, and Joe was the reason for it.
