South Florida coach Amir Abdur-Rahim, who led the Bulls to the American Athletic Convention’s regular-season championship a 12 months in the past, has died, the college introduced Thursday. He was 43.
The college mentioned 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 mentioned. “Coach Abdur-Rahim leaves a long-lasting influence on our student-athletes, the college and the neighborhood. We’re supporting these closest to him, together with his household, workforce 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 workforce at Kennesaw State went 26-9 and made the NCAA Match, incomes him the shot to educate at USF.
He was a right away success with the Bulls. USF went 25-8 final season, received the AAC regular-season title and received a recreation within the NIT. Abdur-Rahim was the unanimous choose because the AAC’s coach of the 12 months.
“All through my time working with coach Abdur-Rahim, I used to be frequently impressed by his management, and really admired his honest strategy to connecting with our complete pupil physique,” USF President Rhea Legislation mentioned. “His affect on our student-athletes, teaching employees and the college neighborhood will stay on eternally.”
This season’s USF workforce was picked third within the AAC preseason ballot. It’s 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.
“That is really a horrible tragedy,” George Washington coach Chris Caputo posted on social media. “Amir was a very good man and a very good coach. Please pray for him and his household.”
Abdur-Rahim and his spouse had three youngsters, USF mentioned. 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 good friend Amir Abdur-Rahim, an excellent man, husband, father and chief who introduced great optimistic vitality to all he encountered,” USF soccer coach Alex Golesh mentioned. “My coronary heart breaks for his spouse, Arianne, his three youngsters, prolonged household and plenty of buddies.”
Reporting by The Related Press.
Get extra from School Basketball Comply with your favorites to get details about video games, information and extra