The University of South Florida has announced in a press statement that men’s basketball head coach Amir Abdur-Rahim tragically passed away due to complications during a medical procedure on Thursday, aged 43.
“All of us with South Florida Athletics are grieving with the loved ones of Coach Abdur-Rahim,” USF athletic director Michael Kelly said. “He was authentic, and 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.”
Abdur-Rahim, younger brother to former NBA All-Star Shareef, suited up in college for Southeastern Louisiana under Billy Kennedy. He got his first assistant coaching gig under Kennedy at Murray State, followed by stints with Texas A&M and Georgia.
He first became a head coach at Kennesaw State in time for the 2019-20 season.
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The Owls won a single game in their first year under Abdur-Rahim. Kennesaw State evolved into a 26-win juggernaut that made March Madness for the first time in school history during his fourth and final season with the program, in 2022-23.
During his first (and now, only) season with USF, Abdur-Rahim made an immediate impact, guiding the Bulls to a 25-8 record and a No. 24 ranking in the Associated Press and USA Today Coaches Poll. The club won a game in the NIT. He earned unanimous American Athletic Conference Coach of the Year honors for his efforts. He was also a finalist for the 2024 Naismith College Coach of the Year award, which ultimately went to University of Connecticut Huskies head coach Dan Hurley, winner of the last two NCAA championships.
Abdur-Rahim posted a career 70-82 record as a head coach, going 0-1 in March Madness meetings and 1-1 in NIT bouts.
“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,” USF President Rhea Law said. “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 a father to three children — daughters Laila and Lana, plus son Aydin — with his wife Arianne, per Kevin Sweeney of Sports Illustrated.
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