Amir Abdur-Rahim: USF men's head basketball coach dies at 43

CNN
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University of South Florida head basketball coach Amir Abdur-Rahim died Thursday from complications following a medical procedure, the university said. He was 43 years old and was considered a rising star among young coaches.

Details about the nature of the procedure and complications were not disclosed.

Michael Kelly, USF vice president of athletics, said in a statement that Abdur-Rahim was “authentic, ambitious and his infectious personality captivated the entire Bulls Nation.”

Abdur-Rahim was signed by the Bulls prior to the 2023-2024 season and led them to their first-ever American Athletic Conference (AAC) regular season championship with a 25-8 record, the most wins in program history. He also led the Bulls to their first top-25 ranking and was later named AAC Coach of the Year.

“Coach Abdur-Rahim leaves a lasting impression on our student-athletes, the university and the community,” Kelly continued. “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.”

Before coming to Tampa, Abdur-Rahim was the head coach of the Kennesaw State Owls for four seasons. The Owls went 1-28 in 2019 and 2020, but under Abdur-Rahim the program turned things around and made the NCAA Tournament three years later.

The Owls finished the 2022-2023 season with a record of 26-9 and Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) regular season and tournament titles. The program lost to No. 3 seed Xavier in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

USF President Rhea Law said Abdur-Rahim “brought unmatched enthusiasm, achieved unparalleled success and helped create unforgettable memories for Bulls Nation.”

“While working with Coach Abdur-Rahim, I have continually been inspired by his leadership and truly admired his genuine approach to connecting with our entire student body,” Law continued. “His impact on our student-athletes, coaching staff and university community will endure forever.”

Abdur-Rahim was one of 13 siblings – six of whom played college basketball, including his older brother Shareef, who was a 12-year NBA veteran and is the current president of the NBA G-League.

In a 2023 interview with CNN's Coy Wire, Abdur-Rahim reflected on his upbringing and said the only word that came to mind was “grateful.” He also spoke about his late father.

“I just want him to know that he raised a man,” an emotional Abdur-Rahim told Wire. “And when I say he raised a man, you know, someone of character. Someone who has integrity. Someone who cares about their community.”

Abdur-Rahim is survived by his wife Arianne and his three children.

USF is scheduled to open the 2024-2025 regular season in Jacksonville against No. 21 Florida. The Bulls' first home game is November 12th against Arkansas-Pine Bluff.