From Teammates to Opponents: The Fascinating Bond Between Kenny Atkinson and Curtis Blair

In the high-pressure environment of the NBA Playoffs, tensions usually boil over. During a recent clash between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Detroit Pistons, the scene was familiar: star players arguing, opposing coaches venting, and referees trying to maintain order. However, one interaction stood out—or rather, the lack thereof.

While others were shouting at referee Curtis Blair, Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson remained remarkably composed. To the average viewer, it looked like professional restraint. To those who know their history, it was a nod to a bond forged decades ago in the heat of collegiate competition.

A Shared History: The Richmond Spiders Era

Long before the bright lights of the NBA, Atkinson and Blair were the driving forces behind the “giant killer” Richmond Spiders teams from 1988 to 1990. Far from being just acquaintances, the two formed a formidable backcourt that led their team in scoring and etched their names into the school’s record books.

Both men are now members of Richmond’s Athletics Hall of Fame, but their paths to the professional league were vastly different:

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• Kenny Atkinson: A relentless point guard and conference tournament MVP who transitioned into a coaching career starting in 2008.

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• Curtis Blair: A smooth, athletic scorer and former conference Player of the Year who transitioned into one of the league’s most respected officials.

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Fire vs. Ice: A Clash of Personalities

Former teammates describe the duo as “fire and ice.” Atkinson was the “fire”—a self-described “psychopath competitor” who played every possession as if his life depended on it. Blair, conversely, was the “ice”—calm, steady, and understated.

This dynamic wasn’t always peaceful. Legends from their college days recall “salty” practices where the competitiveness turned physical. One particular story involves Atkinson literally clocking Blair across the jaw during a defense drill. These clashes weren’t signs of animosity, but rather a shared, obsessive hatred for losing.

“That’s why Curt’s a referee and I’m a coach,” Atkinson joked. “We couldn’t be reversed.”

Professionalism Over Nostalgia

Despite their shared past, Atkinson and Blair maintain a strictly professional relationship on the court. There are no coffee dates to reminisce about buzzer-beaters or old coaches. When Blair is officiating a NBA game involving the Cavaliers, the college friendship is put on hold.

Atkinson admits that while he has been ejected from games in the past, his interactions with Blair are handled with a unique level of mutual understanding. Even when Atkinson disagrees with a call, the reaction is often a shake of the head rather than a screaming match.

The Full Circle of Competition

The story of Kenny Atkinson and Curtis Blair is a testament to the diverse paths athletes can take within the sport they love. Whether directing a team from the sidelines or managing the game with a whistle, both men carry the same competitive spirit they developed as young men at Richmond.

While they may not reminisce during the season, Atkinson hopes that once the roar of the crowd fades, he can finally sit down with Blair to compare their journeys from the Spiders to the pinnacle of professional basketball.