South Florida basketball coach Amir Abdur-Rahim has died at the age of 43

South Florida’s Amir Abdur-Rahim, one of college basketball’s brightest young coaches, died Thursday at age 43, the school announced.

Abdur-Rahim was undergoing a medical procedure at a Tampa-area hospital when he died from complications that arose, the school said.

“All of us at South Florida Athletics are saddened by the loss of our beloved Coach Abdur-Rahim,” USF athletic director Michael Kelly said in a statement. “His genuine, driven, and infectious personality captivated all of Bulls Nation. Coach Abdur-Rahim had a lasting impact on the athletes, the University, and the community. We support those closest to him, including his family, team, and athletic staff, to make sure they have the resources they need to deal with this incredible loss.

Abdur-Rahim led the South Florida men’s team to one of the nation’s biggest championships last season, leading the Bulls to a program-record 25 victories and their first American Athletic Conference regular-season title. Before Abdur-Rahim took over in 2023, the school had never finished .500 in the AAC and had finished above .500 overall just once since 2012. He was named AAC Coach of the Year.

The Bulls were also ranked in the boys’ AP Top 25 for the first time in school history, earning the spot for two weeks in late February and early March.

“I asked (Kelly), ‘Are you afraid of heights?'” Abdur-Rahim said at the opening press conference in March 2023. .'”

Abdur-Rahim spent four seasons at Kennesaw State before transferring to South Florida, leading the Owls to an NCAA tournament appearance in 2023. He was the architect of the program’s dramatic rebuild, from one win in his first season at the helm to 26 years. his last campaign. He won the Hugh Durham Award in 2023, given annually to the nation’s best middle school coach, and was named ASUN Coach of the Year.

“There are people who have been here who care about this program. It’s a place that has no identity but is on the cusp of doing something special,” Abdur-Rahim told ESPN after Kennesaw State won the Atlantic Sun tournament.

“It’s nuts, to be honest with you.”

Abdur-Rahim is the younger brother of former California star and NBA veteran Shareef Abdur-Rahim, who is currently the president of the NBA G League.

A longtime assistant coach, Abdur-Rahim spent time on the staff at Georgia, Texas A&M, Charleston, Georgia Tech and Murray State. While on Tom Crean’s staff at Georgia, the Atlanta native helped the Bulldogs sign top-five recruit Anthony Edwards, who went on to become the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft.

Before Abdur-Rahim left Georgia for Kennesaw State, he called Edwards to ask for his blessing.

“Signing a guy like Anthony, it’s a relationship that’s been built for four years and built. There are people around me that I have a real relationship with that I believe in and the coaching staff at Georgia, that I believe in being there,” Abdur-Rahim said on the podcast “Origin Coach” in 2022. “Before I accepted the job, I called a few people, I called Anthony and I just said, ‘Hey man, I got this opportunity, but if you need me here. , I will stay.

“I wouldn’t be able to recruit the players I’ve recruited if it wasn’t for them, I call them, a real relationship. Whether I get kids or not. The people there are going to be OK with me no matter what, and I’ll be OK with him.”

Abdur-Rahim played for Billy Kennedy — who would go on to coach at Murray State and Texas A&M — for three seasons at Southeastern Louisiana. He was a three-time All-Southland selection and finished in the top 10 in program history for points, 3-pointers made and steals.

“In a very short time, Coach Abdur-Rahim made an immeasurable impact on the University of South Florida. In his first season as our head coach, he brought unmatched enthusiasm, achieved unprecedented success and helped create unforgettable memories. unforgettable for Bulls Nation,” USF President Rhea Law said. “During my time working with Coach Abdur-Rahim, I was constantly inspired by his leadership, and truly admired his genuine approach to connecting with the entire student body. His impact on the athletes, coaching staff and university community will live on forever.”

Abdur-Rahim is survived by his wife, Arianne, and three children: Laila and Lana and son Aydin.