Standout NCAA basketball coach Amir Abdur-Rahim dies just days before the start of the season

The University of South Florida announced in a press release that men’s basketball head coach Amir Abdur-Rahim tragically passed away on Thursday at the age of 43 due to complications during a medical procedure.

“All of us at South Florida Athletics mourn with the family of coach Abdur-Rahim,” said USF athletic director Michael Kelly. “He was authentic and motivated, and his infectious personality captivated the entire Bulls Nation. Coach Abdur-Rahim leaves a lasting impression 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 cope with this tremendous loss.

Abdur-Rahim, younger brother of former NBA All-Star Shareef, graduated from college for Southeastern Louisiana under Billy Kennedy. His first assistant coaching job was under Kennedy at Murray State University, followed by stints at Texas A&M and Georgia.

He became the head coach at Kennesaw State for the first time in time for the 2019–20 season.

The Owls won a single game in their first year under Abdur-Rahim. Kennesaw State emerged as a 26-win juggernaut that made it to March Madness for the first time in school history in its fourth and final season with the program in 2022-23.

In his first (and now only) season at USF, Abdur-Rahim made an immediate impact, leading the Bulls to a 25-8 record and No. 24 ranking in the Associated Press and USA Today Coaches poll. The club won one game in the NIT. For his efforts, he received unanimous American Athletic Conference Coach of the Year honors. He was also a finalist for the 2024 Naismith College Coach of the Year award, which ultimately went to University of Connecticut Huskies head coach Dan Hurley, winner of the last two NCAA championships.

Abdur-Rahim has compiled a career record of 70-82 as a head coach, going 0-1 in March Madness meetings and 1-1 in NIT contests.

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

Abdur-Rahim was the father of three children — daughters Laila and Lana and son Aydin — with his wife Arianne, according to Sports Illustrated’s Kevin Sweeney.

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