[ODDS and EVENS] Remembering Joe Bryant and His Impact on Basketball's Growth in Japan

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Joe Bryant was a beloved, admired basketball coach in the Tokyo Apache's brief, successful existence (2005-11).

At the helm during their first four seasons, Bryant planted the seeds of success for the Apache with infectious enthusiasm for the game and a rock-solid belief in his players. And he led them to back-to-back championship runner-up finishes in their third and fourth seasons.

The death of the former NBA and Italian pro basketball star, announced on July 16 by his alma mater La Salle University in Philadelphia, brought immense sadness to the global basketball community. Bryant was 69, and his death came 4½ years after his son and hoops protégé Kobe's death in a helicopter crash near Los Angeles. 

It's been said many times that Kobe was the most popular basketball player in Japan after Michael Jordan retired. 

In Japan, Coach Bryant, known as "Jellybean" throughout his lifelong association with basketball, made it a point of emphasis to share stories about Kobe that would resonate with his players. The proud father spoke about his son's never-wavering commitment to fitness and the time he spent in the gym in the offseason seeking ways to improve.

He also had profound pride in his son's accomplishments on the basketball court and the way he played the game.

For example, my email inbox still contains this note that Joe Bryant sent to me a few days before Christmas in December 2009: "It's a joy to watch my son play. He understands the game and the moment."

Indeed, Kobe's flair for the game was heavily influenced by his father.

How Joe Bryant Approached the Game

Waves of memories and tributes to the elder Bryant, who was born and raised in Philadelphia, spread on social media in the days after people learned of the massive stroke that claimed his life.

Former Apache players Kohei "Cohey" Aoki, Masashi Joho, Jo Kurino, John "Helicopter" Humphrey and Jun Nakanishi, among others shared reflections on their popular mentor.

People also reminded one another of Jellybean's impressive athleticism. Exhibit A: Bryant dunking on Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the opening game of the 1979-80 NBA season.

Throughout Japan and elsewhere, folks recalled the impact that Bryant had on the Apache and on the bj-league. 

Bryant helped popularize the sport and give the fledgling bj-league credibility when it was launched as a rival to the staid Japan Basketball League. It began play in 2005 with six teams. (When the bj-league merged with the NBL, the JBL's successor, in 2016 to create the B.League, the bj-league had 24 teams.)

Mourning the Passing of Joe Bryant

In an interview, retired 165-cm guard Aoki, who became a perennial All-Star in the bj-league, mourned Bryant's passing. He  also mentioned that he appreciated Joe's thoughtfulness.

"Even after we were no longer on the same team, he would always send me a message every year on my children's birthday, my wife's birthday, or my birthday," Aoki shared.

"It is very sad that Joe is no longer with us, and I really wanted to go to the United States to express my gratitude to him. … But Joe will always live on in my heart. I hope that I can be a little like Joe, and I will continue to follow his footsteps as I walk my own path."

The Kyushu native, who reunited with newly appointed Coach Bryant on the Rizing Fukuoka in the 2014-15 season, added: "I would like to extend my sincere condolences to all of Joe's family members."

Advice That Changed Aoki's Playing Career

Due to his height, Aoki was expected to always be a point guard. Although he had solid ball-handling and passing skills, he felt more confidence being showcased as a shooter. 

Most coaches wouldn't have considered this option, but Joe Bryant saw the game differently. He believed in positionless basketball. Just play the game.

"I am very happy to have had Joe as the first coach in my career, because he really practiced what Japanese coaches didn't, which was to value individuality," the former Senshu University player said. 

Specifically, what did Bryant tell Aoki?

Recalled Aoki: "He said, 'I don't want to decide your position because of your height, and I want you to express yourself as much as you can on the court. Just express yourself on the court.' "

That was career-changing advice for Aoki, one of the best clutch shooters in bj-league history.

Why?

"Because I was no longer burdened with the idea that I had to play point guard," Aoki said, "because of my height in professional basketball."

What did Bryant see in Aoki when he was a rookie?

"He valued my shooting ability, basketball IQ and scoring ability," Aoki recalled, "and he told me to play as Kohei Aoki regardless of my position, and he also made many one-on-one situations with me on the court. Joe gave me many experiences, such as when I was asked to take the final shot in clutch time [in games]."

Aoki, now a youth basketball coach at Watch&C Academy in Fukuoka, imparts wisdom and lessons he learned from Bryant to his players.

"Joe trusted and believed in me more than I trusted myself, and I played with the desire to live up to his expectations," Aoki said. 

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Author: Ed Odeven

Find Ed on JAPAN Forward's dedicated website, SportsLook. Follow his [Japan Sports Notebook] on Sundays, [Odds and Evens] during the week, and X (formerly Twitter) ＠ed_odeven.