South Florida coach Amir Abdur-Rahim, who led the Bulls to the American Athletic Conference regular-season championship a 12 months in the past, has died, the varsity introduced Thursday. He was 43 years previous.
The faculty stated he died from issues that occurred whereas 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 stated. “Coach Abdur-Rahim leaves a long-lasting influence on our student-athletes, the college and the neighborhood. We are supporting these closest to him, together with his household, workforce and athletics employees, to make sure they’ve the assets they should tackle this case.” enormous 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 in his subsequent two seasons. His 2022-23 workforce at Kennesaw State went 26-9 and made the NCAA Tournament, incomes an opportunity to teach at USF.
He was an immediate hit with the Bulls. USF went 25-8 final season, gained the AAC common season title and gained a sport within the NIT. Abdur-Rahim was unanimously chosen because the AAC Coach of the Year.
“Throughout my time working with Coach Abdur-Rahim, I used to be regularly impressed by his management and actually admired his honest strategy to connecting with our whole pupil physique,” stated USF President Rhea Law. “His affect on our student-athletes, teaching employees and college neighborhood will stay on eternally.”
This season’s USF workforce was picked third within the AAC preseason ballot. An exhibition sport is scheduled for Oct. 30 in opposition to Edward Waters, then opens the season in opposition to No. 21 Florida in Jacksonville on Nov. 4.
“This is really a horrible tragedy,” George Washington coach Chris Caputo wrote on social media. “Amir was a superb man and a very good coach. Please pray for him and his household.”
Abdur-Rahim and his spouse had three youngsters, USF stated. 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 pal Amir Abdur-Rahim, an distinctive man, husband, father and chief who introduced super optimistic vitality to every little thing he encountered,” the soccer coach stated. USF Alex Golesh. “My coronary heart breaks for his spouse Arianne, his three youngsters, his prolonged household and lots of associates.”
Associated Press reporting.
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