USF men's basketball coach Amir Abdur-Rahim dies at age 43 from complications following surgery

South Florida men's basketball coach Amir Abdur-Rahim died Thursday during a medical procedure, the school confirmed. Abdur-Rahim was 43.

The school said in a statement that complications arose during his treatment at a Tampa-area hospital.

“All of us at South Florida Athletics mourn with the family of coach Abdur-Rahim,” athletic director Michael Kelly said in a statement. “He was authentic, ambitious and his infectious personality captivated the entire Bulls Nation. Coach Abdur-Rahim is leaving a lasting impact on our student-athletes, the university and the community.”

Abdur-Rahim was considered a rising star in his profession and a potential great program coach. In his first season with the Bulls last year, he made a remarkable turnaround that earned him unanimous American Athletic Conference Coach of the Year honors. He coached South Florida to a school-record 25 wins, its first-ever regular-season conference title, its first appearance in the polls and its first NIT appearance in more than a decade.

Before taking over the Bulls in March 2023, Abdur-Rahim, a Georgia native, led Kennesaw State to 26 wins and its first appearance in the NCAA Tournament after the program went 1-1 in its first season at the helm (2019-20). 28 failed. .

The Southeast Louisiana graduate also spent time as an assistant at Georgia and Texas A&M.

“Coach Abdur-Rahim has made an indelible impact on the University of South Florida in a very short period of time,” said school President Rhea Law. “While working with Coach Abdur-Rahim, I was continually inspired by his leadership and truly admired his genuine approach to connecting with our entire student body. His impact on our student-athletes, coaching staff and university community will endure forever.”

Corey Staniscia witnessed Abdur-Rahim's influence and heartfelt connections as director of the Bulls' Fowler Ave Collective. Abdur-Rahim randomly sent supportive text messages. More than once he hung out at the on-campus Starbucks and added students' drinks to his bill.

The last time Staniscia saw him, he asked how the team was doing. Abdur-Rahim's answer: “I make them love each other.”

“This man loved his athletes and what he did,” Staniscia said. “He really cared about her.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better person to be here.”

Abdur-Rahim is survived by his wife Arianne Buchanan and three children, Laila, Lana and Aydin. His older brother Shareef was a long-time forward in the NBA.

Abdur-Rahim's death comes less than a week before South Florida's scheduled matchup against Edward Waters. The school has not announced an interim coach.

(Photo: Chris Jones / Imagn Images)