TAMPA, Fla. — South Florida coach Amir Abdur-Rahim, who led the Bulls to the American Athletic Conference’s regular-season championship a 12 months in the past, has died, the college introduced Thursday. He was 43.
The college stated he died from problems that offered whereas he was present process a process at a Tampa-area hospital.
“He was genuine, pushed, and his infectious character captivated all of Bulls Nation,” USF athletic director Michael Kelly stated. “Coach Abdur-Rahim leaves an enduring affect on our student-athletes, the college and the group. We are supporting these closest to him, together with his household, group and athletics employees, to make sure they’ve the assets they should cope with this great loss.”
Abdur-Rahim was a rising star within the teaching world. He went 19-65 in his first three seasons at Kennesaw State however loved nice success over the following two seasons. His 2022-23 group at Kennesaw State went 26-9 and made the NCAA Tournament, incomes him the shot to educate at USF.
He as soon as quipped he “had no clue” what he was doing throughout his first season as a head coach, when Kennesaw State received simply as soon as.
Abdur-Rahim was an instantaneous success with USF and was the unanimous choose because the AAC’s coach of the 12 months final season. The Bulls went 25-8, received the convention regular-season title, received a recreation within the NIT and celebrated this system’s first-ever rating within the AP Top 25 alongside the way in which.
“Honestly, I realized from my errors,” Abdur-Rahim instructed The Associated Press on the time. “Early on at Kennesaw, I wished every part straight away. And so my endurance and the way I responded to issues wasn’t nearly as good. … And I imagine wholeheartedly, a group is just going to be nearly as good as their coach’s response. And I attempt to reply the suitable means.”
USF President Rhea Law lauded the affect he had on campus.
“Throughout my time working with coach Abdur-Rahim, I used to be frequently impressed by his management, and really admired his honest method to connecting with our complete pupil physique,” Law stated. “His affect on our student-athletes, teaching employees and the college group will dwell on eternally.”
This season’s USF group was picked third within the AAC preseason ballot. It is scheduled to play an exhibition recreation on Oct. 30 towards Edward Waters, then opens the season towards No. 21 Florida in Jacksonville on Nov. 4.
“This is really a horrible tragedy,” George Washington coach Chris Caputo posted on social media. “Amir was a great man and a very good coach. Please pray for him and his household.”
Abdur-Rahim and his spouse had three youngsters, USF stated. Abdur-Rahim had 12 brothers and sisters; considered one of his brothers is G League president and former NBA participant Shareef Abdur-Rahim.
“I’m devastated by the sudden passing of my good buddy Amir Abdur-Rahim, an excellent man, husband, father and chief who introduced great constructive vitality to all he encountered,” USF soccer coach Alex Golesh stated. “My coronary heart breaks for his spouse, Arianne, his three youngsters, prolonged household and plenty of associates.”
NCAA senior vp Dan Gavitt known as Abdur-Rahim’s dying “heartbreaking.”
“Amir was such a vibrant and proficient coach, and an excellent higher man,” Gavitt stated.
AAC commissioner Tim Pernetti echoed these sentiments, saying Abdur-Rahim “received the suitable means, with class and charm.”
“In solely 5 years as a head coach, Amir established himself as top-of-the-line in school basketball, profitable championships in two conferences and taking each South Florida and Kennesaw State to unprecedented ranges of success,” Pernetti stated.