USF Men’s Basketball coach Amir Abdur-Rahim dies at 43 following medical complications
- Amir Abdur-Rahim has sadly passed away at the age of 43.
- He died after having complications during a medical procedure.
- Amir had been serving as head coach of the University of South Florida’s basketball team.
Tragic Loss! Amir Abdur-Rahim has sadly passed away
Rip! Amir Abdur-Rahim, the head coach of the University of South Florida men’s basketball team, is no longer alive among us. He has tragically passed away at the age of 43.
His death was confirmed by the university on its athletics website, stating that he died “due to complications that arose during the procedure.” Amir was undergoing a medical procedure at a Tampa-area hospital.
However, the specific details about the procedure and the complications have not yet been released.
In response to his untimely passing, the American Athletic Conference expressed deep sorrow, highlighting the significant impact Abdur-Rahim made in his brief time. The statement reads,
“Amir was only in our conference for one year, but he made such a profound impact on so many people, both on the court and in the community simply by treating everyone with kindness, dignity and respect,”
USF President Rhea Law also praised him for making a lasting impression on the university and its community. Law said,
“He brought an unmatched enthusiasm, achieved unprecedented success and helped generate unforgettable memories for Bulls Nation. 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,”
Additionally, Michael Kelly, Vice President for Athletics, described Amir as having an “authentic” and “infectious personality,” which left a profound effect on everyone involved with the university.
The Legacy of Coach Amir Abdur-Rahim at the University of South Florida
In March 2023, Amir Abdur-Rahim became the head coach of the University of South Florida’s basketball team. During his first season with the USF Bulls, he led them to a remarkable 25-8 record. As a result, the Bulls won their first-ever regular-season championship.
This success earned him the title of American Athletic Conference Coach of the Year. Similarly, bulls ranked in the top 25 during the regular season.
The team’s impressive performance was a significant turnaround after experiencing four consecutive losing seasons.
Before joining USF, Abdur-Rahim coached Kennesaw State University in Georgia for four years. His tenure began with a challenging season in 2019-2020, where the Owls finished with a 1-28 record.
However, KSU later transformed dramatically under his leadership. The Owls secured their first-ever NCAA tournament berth by winning both the Atlantic Sun regular season and tournament titles.
During the 2022-2023 season, KSU finished with a 26-9 record, which included their first appearance in March Madness.
Kennesaw State University expressed its condolences upon his departure, recognizing Abdur-Rahim for his remarkable achievement of “doubling the program’s win total every season,” and leading them to a postseason run that resonated with their supporters.
Amir Abdul-Rahim’s family background
Abdur-Rahim was one of 13 siblings, with six of them playing college basketball. His older brother Shareef had a notable 12-year career in the NBA. Currently, he serves as the president of the NBA G-League.
In a 2023 interview with CNN’s Coy Wire, Abdur-Rahim expressed his gratitude for his upbringing and reflected on his late father, stating,
“I just want him to know that he raised a man, And when I say he raised a man, you know, someone that has character. Someone that has integrity. Somebody that cares about his community.”
Abdur-Rahim is survived by his wife, Arianne, and their three children.
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