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

South Florida men's basketball coach Amir Abdur-Rahim died Thursday while undergoing treatment, the school confirmed. Abdur Rahim is 43 years old.

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

“All of us at South Florida Athletics grieve with the loved ones of coach Abdur-Rahim,” athletic director Michael Kelly said in a statement. “He was authentic, driven and his infectious personality captivated all of Bulls Nation. Coach Abdur Rahim made a lasting impact on our student-athletes, university and community.”

Abdur Rahim was seen as a rising star in the profession and a potential head program coach. He led a remarkable turnaround in his first season with the Bulls last year, earning unanimous American Athletic Conference Coach of the Year honors. He coached South Florida to a school-record 25 wins, its first 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, Georgia native Abdur-Rahim guided Kennesaw State to 26 wins and its first trip to the NCAA Tournament in his first season (2019-20) after going 1-28.

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

“In a very short period of time, Coach Abdur-Rahim has made an indelible impact on the University of South Florida,” said School President Ria Law. “While working with Coach Abdur-Rahim, I am constantly inspired by his leadership and truly appreciate his sincere approach to connecting with our entire student body. His impact on our student-athletes, coaching staff and university community will live on forever.”

Corey Stanisia witnessed Abdur-Rahim's impact and heartfelt connection as director of the Bulls Fowler Ave Collective. Abdur-Rahim sends random supportive text messages. More than once, he hung around the campus Starbucks and put students' drinks on his tab.

The last time Stanisia saw her, she asked how the group was gelling. Abdur-Rahim's answer: “I want them to love each other.”

“The man loved his athletes and what he did,” Stanicia said. “He really cared about them.

“We couldn't have asked for a better person here.”

Abdur Rahim is survived by his wife Ariane Buchanan and three children Laila, Lana and Aydin. His older brother, Sharif, was in the NBA for a long time.

Abdur-Rahim died a week before a scheduled showdown in South Florida against Edward Waters. The school has not announced an interim coach.

(Photo: Chris Jones / Imagon Images)