Amir Abdur-Rahim, USF Men’s CBB HC, Dies at 43 After Complications from Procedure

Timothy Rapp@@TRappaRTFeatured Columnist IVOctober 24, 2024

Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images

USF head men’s basketball coach Amir Abdur-Rahim died on Thursday after suffering complications during a medical procedure, the school announced.

He was 43.

USF Men’s Basketball @USFMBBWe 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

“All of us with South Florida Athletics are grieving with the loved ones of Coach Abdur-Rahim,” vice president for athletics, Michael Kelly, said in a statement. “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.”

Abdur-Rahim was hired by USF ahead of the 2023–24 season and led the Bulls to a 25-8 record, an American Athletic Conference regular season title and a berth in the NIT. Prior to coaching for USF, he spent four seasons as the head coach at Kennesaw State, turning a team that went 1-28 in his first season to a 26-9 team in his final year, which included a berth in the NCAA tournament.

Before his arrival, the USF men’s basketball team had just one winning season (2018-19) in the previous 11 years.

Jon Rothstein @JonRothsteinJust 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

𝗭𝗮𝗰 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗻𝗲𝗿🎙 @ZacOnTheMicI’m just, lost, idk what else to say

RIP @sunsetAMIR 🙏

Praying for his family and everyone at USF

Coach was a bright spot in this world, but specifically Tampa Bay

Wrecked by this unexpected news

Mike Cairns @MikeCairns5There are no words to describe what we are all feeling in hearing the news of the passing of @USFMBB Amir Abdur Rahim after a historic season. Prayers to his wife and kids. Absolutely Heartbreaking!

Ken LaVicka @KLVsaysI am sick to my stomach over the passing of Amir Abdur-Rahim. After the game at USF last year, last thing I saw as we walked out was him with his wife and youngest daughter, holding her hand into the tunnel. Just inconceivable. Tragic. There’s no “plan” to something like this.

Pete Thamel @PeteThamelTragic news. Amir Abdur-Rahim was one of the brightest young coaches in all college basketball. He led Kennesaw State to the NCAA Tournament two years ago and went 25-8 and won the AAC regular season title last year. So sad. https://t.co/cmJMQrpcF6

Jeff Borzello @jeffborzelloAmir 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.

Dan Wolken @DanWolkenAs many people remember, Abdur-Rahim led Kennesaw State to the NCAA tournament two years ago. I didn’t know him well but talked to him a few times. This is so stunning and tragic. Such a bright young coaching talent and a good guy.

Nicole Auerbach @NicoleAuerbachAmir Abdur-Rahim led Kennesaw State to the NCAA Tournament two years ago, and his team nearly pulled off the upset of No. 3 Xavier in Greensboro. I covered that site/his team and spent a good bit of time around him. He was a genuinely lovely guy and so full of life.

“In a very short time, Coach Abdur-Rahim made an indelible impact on the University of South Florida,” USF president Rhea Law said in a statement. “In his first season as our head coach, 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. His influence on our student-athletes, coaching staff and the university community will live on forever.”