What doing JOE BLAIR right now, inside and outside the Basketball sistem?
“I am currently the head coach of the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. We are the G-League affiliate of the Houston Rockets.”
What do you remember about your European experience?
“I have nothing but great memories of my European experience. I had a chance to play with some great players, for some great coaches, in front of some of the best basketball fans in the world! Each experience and every person that I have met on that journey of my life has helped me to become the man I am today! Much wisdom and many lessons! Both on and off of the court.”
What are the biggest difficulties that you have faced in a foreign country?
“I didn’t really face a lot of difficulties. I pride myself in being able to assimilate to new cultures and experiences. If I had to choose something, it would be the food. I was vegetarian throughout my career and it’s not always easy to find places that cater to my non-meat eating needs.”
How long did it take to adjust to a different style of play?
“Basketball was the easiest part of playing in Europe. There was never a big adjustment or adjustment period for me.”
How the recruitment among American high schools and colleges have been changed in the last years?
“Recruiting is now about AAU teams and much less about what the kids are doing in high school. When I was young and being recruited, everything was about what your high school did and how you could elevate a team. Now it seems that players are packed on teams with talent and not a lot of coaching. Nothing against those that are coaching but in high school you had time to develop a system and culture around the team that AAU coaches don’t have the opportunity to foster.”
What are the pros for a “one and done” athlete?
“They are immediately provided an opportunity to provide for their family. Staying could risk injury or a plethora of other unknown obstacles.”
What do you think about the upcoming NCAA season?
“I am, and will always be, a huge University of Arizona fan! So all I can say about this NCAA season is…..Bear Down!! Go Cats!!”
Joseph Blair (born Akron, Ohio, June 12, 1974) is an American former professional basketball player, and current head coach of the Rio Grande Valley Vipers of the NBA G League. Standing 2.10m (6 ft 10.75 in) tall, and weighing 120 kg (265 pounds), he spent his playing career playing at the positions of power forward and center. He was reputed for his spectacular and solid playing style.
Career information
High school
C.E. King (Houston, Texas)
College
Arizona (1992–1996)
NBA draft
1996 / Round: 2 / Pick: 35th overall
Selected by the Seattle SuperSonics
Playing career
1996–2009
Position
Power forward / Center
Player career history
As player:
1996–1997
Pau-Orthez
1997–1998
Harlem Globetrotters
1998
Long Island Surf
1998–1999
Fila Biella
1999–2000
Scavolini Pesaro
2000–2001
PAOK
2001
Harlem Globetrotters
2001–2002
Scavolini Pesaro
2002–2004
Ülkerspor
2004–2007
Armani Jeans Milano
2007–2008
Spartak Primorje
2008–2009
Spartak Saint Petersburg
EuroLeague Regular Season MVP (2003)
All-EuroLeague Second Team (2002)
As coach:
2013–2015
Arizona (assistant)
2015–2018
Rio Grande Valley Vipers (assistant)
2018–present
Rio Grande Valley Vipers
