Always expecting: Vipers head coach cites his faith as key to ‘everything’

EDINBURG — Mahmoud Abdelfattah regularly reminds people that the NBA G League is “where the unexpected should always be expected.”

During the past three seasons as head coach of the RGV Vipers, the unexpected has been a full-time job. Abdelfattah went from watching his first season as head coach cut short due to COVID-19. That was followed by a shortened season in a “bubble” at the Walt Disney World Complex in Orlando, Florida.

In the end, however, the expected made an appearance this season as the Vipers, led by Abdelfattah, captured their league-leading fourth G League championship, and second in the past three years. No other team has more than two.

“It takes patience,” Abdelfattah said. “Honestly, it’s day by day. But having guys come back like Trevelin (Queen), (Anthony) Lamb and Trhae Mitchell come back and everyone buying into the system is what we’re fortunate to be on top.”

Abdelfattah is the first Muslim and Palestinian head coach in either the G League or the NBA. He said that his faith is “everything.”

From where I started to how I got through it to where I am. It’s patience, perseverance and faith. My faith has given me the patience to persevere. To get through those tough times, whatever they are, you have to have faith, whatever faith means to you.”

Abdelfattah said he’s had moments of reflection about being the first. But most of it comes from his peers, family, friends and his Muslim community in the RGV and elsewhere where he served as a coach.

“People have reached out from the RGV and there’s also been so much support from the Middle East, asking me to come over and run camps,” Abdelfattah said. “We’re not talking about cities now, we’re talking about countries and continents and for me to be that first one, I hope God puts me in a position to use everything He has given me to be a good example and role model for younger Muslims and Palestinians and anyone who would like to be in this role.

“I’m very fortunate to be the first. Hopefully I’m not the last.”

Abdelfattah, who was named the 2021-22 NBA G League Coach of the Year, began his stint with the Vipers as an assistant coach under James Blair. The team won their third G League title in 2019. Blair went off to the NBA coaching ranks as an assistant coach for the Philadelphia 76ers and Abdelfattah was promoted to the position. And, just like the Vipers are a recruiting hot spot for NBA coaches, the head coaching spot for the Vipers is the same.

Former Vipers’ coaches Chris Finch and Nick Nurse are head coaches in the NBA. Finch is the head coach for the Minnesota Timberwolves and Nurse coaches the Toronto Raptors. He became the first coach to win both an NBA title and a G League title, doing so with the Vipers.

“Just being around see where Blair, and (former coach Matt) Brase have gone … we will see,” Abdelfattah said. “I’m thankful adding a championship to the resume and coach of the year to the resume and to be able to coach guys like Trev and Lamb.”

Queen was named the NBA G League Most Valuable Player while Lamb was named its most improved player the previous season. Travis Stockbridge was named the G League Executive of the Year this season. The Vipers were just the second team to sweep all three awards – MVP, coach and executive.

“Honestly, I’m 100% wrapping the season up and taking some time to be with my beautiful and amazing wife,” Abdelfattah said. “We’re going to take a little vacation then before you know it the NBA combine will be here. If I’m in the RGV or in Houston, I’ll love it. God has a plan and I just need to be prepared for what the next step is.”