Emotional Notice: Joseph Blair, head coach of RGV basketball, will step aside after receiving a stage III health diagnosis.
emotional and respectful announcement about RGV basketball head coach Joseph Blair stepping away following a Stage III health diagnosis
Emotional Announcement: RGV Basketball Head Coach Joseph Blair to Step Away Following Stage III Health Diagnosis
It is with heavy hearts and immense respect that the Rio Grande Valley Vipers organization announces that Head Coach Joseph Blair will be stepping away from his coaching duties following a recent Stage III health diagnosis. This news has deeply impacted the Vipers family, our players, staff, fans, and the broader basketball community.
Coach Blair, who joined the RGV Vipers with a vision to mentor young athletes, elevate the team’s performance, and continue building a culture of excellence, has been a cornerstone of our organization since his arrival. His unwavering passion for the game, unmatched leadership, and profound commitment to his players have left a permanent imprint on everyone privileged to work with him.
In recent weeks, Coach Blair began experiencing symptoms that prompted further medical evaluation. After undergoing a series of tests, he received the difficult diagnosis of a Stage III illness. While the specific nature of his condition remains a private matter for Coach Blair and his family, he has chosen to share the news with the basketball community to bring awareness and to express his deep gratitude for the outpouring of love and support he’s already received.
In a personal statement, Coach Blair shared:
“This has been one of the most challenging moments of my life, but I’m choosing to face it the same way I’ve approached every challenge—head on, with faith, courage, and determination. I love this game. I love my players, and I love this organization. But right now, I have to turn my focus to my health and to healing. This isn’t goodbye—it’s just a pause. I hope to return to the court stronger, but for now, I’ll be fighting this battle with everything I’ve got.”
Coach Blair’s journey in basketball has always been more than wins and losses. He is a mentor, motivator, and father figure to many of his players. His coaching style, marked by authenticity, integrity, and heart, has inspired athletes to become not just better players, but better men. His ability to connect with his team on a deeply human level has been a defining feature of his leadership.
The Vipers’ front office, in coordination with the Houston Rockets organization, is fully supportive of Coach Blair’s decision. Team President Rene Borrego said in a statement:
“Our hearts go out to Coach Blair and his family during this incredibly difficult time. We are rallying behind him with unwavering support. He is a fighter in every sense of the word, and we know that same strength that made him a great coach will guide him through this battle. The Vipers family will be here every step of the way.”
Assistant Coach Allen Martinez will step in as interim head coach for the remainder of the season. Martinez, who has worked closely with Blair and shares his coaching philosophy, expressed his heartfelt support:
“Joseph is not just a colleague; he is a brother. Watching his strength through this has been humbling and inspiring. We will continue the season with the same grit and passion that Coach Blair has instilled in all of us. This team is playing for him now.”
In the coming weeks, the Vipers organization will be launching a “Fight with Blair” campaign, aimed at supporting Coach Blair and raising awareness for those battling serious illnesses. The initiative will include fundraising events, fan tributes, and partnerships with local health organizations to spread education and offer resources.
Fans are encouraged to send messages of support, which will be compiled into a tribute book for Coach Blair and his family. The team’s next home game will include a special halftime ceremony to honor Blair’s contributions, featuring video messages from players past and present, coaches, and members of the community.
The response from the basketball community has already been overwhelming. Messages of encouragement have poured in from current and former players, fellow coaches, media figures, and fans. NBA coaches and athletes who worked alongside Blair during his tenure with teams like the Philadelphia 76ers and Washington Wizards have voiced their admiration and offered their full support.
Former NBA forward and close friend Caron Butler shared on social media:
“Joseph is a warrior on and off the court. His fight isn’t just his—it’s all of ours now. He’s lifted so many people with his light. It’s time for us to shine ours back on him.”
Coach Blair’s diagnosis reminds us all of the unpredictability of life and the strength of the human spirit. While we face this difficult moment as a team, we do so inspired by Coach Blair’s resilience, his honesty, and his unwavering will to fight.
To the fans: thank you for standing with us, for loving this team, and for loving the man who has given his heart to it. As Coach Blair faces the road ahead, he does so with an entire community behind him.
Coach, we believe in you. We’re with you. And we’ll be waiting for you on the sidelines when you’re ready to return.