Amir Abdur-Rahim dies at 43: College basketball world mourns passing of USF head coach, brother of Shareef Abdur-Rahim
Amir Abdur-Rahim, USF’s men’s basketball head coach who led the Bulls to their first-ever regular season conference title last season, died Thursday at the age of 43, the program announced.
In USF’s press release, it stated that Abdur-Rahim was undergoing a medical procedure at a Tampa-area hospital when he died due to complications that arose during the procedure. No specifics about his condition or the procedure he was undergoing have been released.
We are heartbroken over the passing of Coach Abdur-Rahim.
A tremendous man & leader with an infectious personality that was a shining light to all he encountered.
Our thoughts & prayers are with his family, friends and everyone that he left a lasting impact on. pic.twitter.com/h353f3FNno
— USF Men’s Basketball (@USFMBB) October 24, 2024Abdur-Rahim, who was married and a father of three, was one of college basketball’s most promising rising head coaches over recent seasons. He was hired by USF last year after leading Kennesaw State to a three-season turnaround, going 26-9 in 2022-23 after a 1-28 record in his first season with the Owls.
He led the Bulls to a similar turnaround last college basketball season. UCF went 25-8 under Abdur-Rahim, who won the AAC Coach of the Year, and claimed a regular season conference title after four consecutive losing seasons. USF also earned its first-ever top-25 ranking last year.
Before his time with USF and Kennesaw State, Abdur-Rahim was an assistant coach at Georgia, Texas A&M, the College of Charleston, and Murray State.
Abdul-Rahim also has two brothers that have been involved in basketball. Shareef Abdur-Rahim spent 12 seasons in the NBA and currently serves as the league’s president of the G League, and Mohammad Abdur-Rahim played college basketball, as well.
“All of us with South Florida Athletics are grieving with the loved ones of Coach Abdur-Rahim,” said Michael Kelly, USF’s Vice President for Athletics, said in the program’s release. “He was authentic, 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.”
Amir Abdur-Rahim tributesJust tragic news.
Amir Abdur-Rahim was a great basketball coach and a tremendous human being.
Prayers to his family.
Every day is indeed a gift.
🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 https://t.co/g1RwqhXKos
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) October 24, 2024I am devastated by the sudden passing of my good friend Amir Abdur-Rahim, an outstanding man, husband, father and leader who brought tremendous positive energy to all he encountered.
My heart breaks for his wife, Arianne, his three children, extended family and many friends.… https://t.co/JP4BWqxX6O
— Alex Golesh (@CoachGolesh) October 24, 2024USF Head Coach Amir Abdur-Rahim promised the school a conference championship & did it in his first season
We lost a good one today. Rest in Peace.
pic.twitter.com/PCRPkoPYa7
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) October 24, 2024Amir Abdur-Rahim was one of the brightest young coaches in basketball. Just 43. Orchestrated remarkable turnarounds at Kennesaw State and South Florida, helped sign Anthony Edwards at Georgia. Made an impact on so many people. Great person, husband, father.
Heartbreaking news.
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) October 24, 2024Amir Abdur-Rahim’s coaching journey:
2019–2023 Kennesaw State (HC)
• Turned Kennesaw State around from 1-28 to 26-9 over four seasons
• 2023 A-SUN COY
2023– South Florida (HC)
• Won 25 games in his first season at the helm
• 2024 AAC COY
May he Rest in Peace 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/nqksv2CF9U
— College Basketball Report (@CBKReport) October 24, 2024Tragic doesn’t do this justice. Gut wrenching news. Prayers to his family, his friends and his team. https://t.co/GZdO9NtneL
— Dana O’Neil (@DanaONeilWriter) October 24, 2024
