South Florida coach Amir Abdur-Rahim died Thursday due to complications during a medical procedure, the school announced. He was 43.
Abdur-Rahim underwent the procedure at a Tampa-area hospital. He was viewed as a rising star in college basketball circles after going 25-8 during the 2023-24 campaign and being named American Athletic Conference Coach of the Year in his first season with the Bulls.
“All of us with South Florida Athletics are grieving with the loved ones of Coach Abdur-Rahim,” Michael Kelly, vice president for athletics, said in a news release. “He was authentic, driven, and his infectious personality captivated all of Bulls Nation.
“Coach Abdur-Rahim leaves a lasting impact on our student-athletes, the University, and the community. We are supporting those closest to him, including his family, team, and athletics staff, to ensure they have the resources they need to deal with this tremendous loss.”
South Florida experienced four straight losing seasons before Abdur-Rahim arrived and guided the team to a 16-2 AAC mark and an NIT appearance. The Bulls beat UCF in the first round before losing to VCU in the second.
Before being hired by South Florida, Abdur-Rahim guided Kennesaw State to a 26-9 record and its first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance during the 2022-23 campaign. Kennesaw State gave Xavier a fight before falling 72-67 in the first round.
He was then hired away by the Bulls.
“In a very short time, Coach Abdur-Rahim made an indelible impact on the University of South Florida. In his first season as our head coach, he brought an unmatched enthusiasm, achieved unprecedented success and helped generate unforgettable memories for Bulls Nation,” South Florida president Rhea Law said in the news release. “Throughout my time working with Coach Abdur-Rahim, I was continually inspired by his leadership, and truly admired his sincere approach to connecting with our entire student body. His influence on our student-athletes, coaching staff and the university community will live on forever.”
Abdur-Rahim was 45-74 in four seasons at Kennesaw State. He went 1-28 in his first campaign before eventually building a team that qualified for the NCAA Tournament.
“I share my heartfelt prayers and sympathy to Amir’s wife, Arianne, his two daughters, Laila and Lana, and a son, Aydin,” Kennesaw State athletic director Milton Overton said in a statement. “Amir Abdur-Rahim left a legacy not only at Kennesaw State, but throughout his life. Owl Nation will forever remember how he molded young men into champions on the court and in their lives.”
South Florida is scheduled to open its season on Nov. 4 against Florida on a neutral court in Jacksonville.
–Field Level Media
