### South Florida Basketball Coach Amir Abdur-Rahim Dies at 43

In a heartbreaking announcement, the University of South Florida announced that men's basketball coach Amir Abdur-Rahim has died at the age of 43. The loss occurred during a medical procedure at a Tampa-area hospital, where complications led to his untimely passing.

Amir Abdur-Rahim had recently made a significant impact in the realm of college basketball coaching. Known for his transformative skills, he led the South Florida Bulls to an impressive 25-8 season. This remarkable performance included a 16-2 mark in the American Athletic Conference and saw the team clinch their first regular-season AAC title. Under his leadership, USF also set a single-season school record for victories and managed to break into the AP Top 25 for the first time in the program's history.

Before joining USF, Abdur-Rahim served as the head coach at Kennesaw State. He took over a struggling program and led them to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 2023. His tenure at Kennesaw State saw a dramatic change, with the team going from a mere one-win season to an impressive 26-9 record and nearly upsetting Xavier in the NCAA Tournament. His ability to turn programs around in such short periods earned him widespread respect in the basketball community.

With 18 years of coaching experience, Abdur-Rahim's influence extended well beyond the court. He left a lasting legacy and garnered multiple coach-of-the-year honors. His career record stood at 70-82 through five seasons at USF and Kennesaw State. A native of Marietta, Georgia, Abdur-Rahim was a standout guard at Southeastern Louisiana University, where he graduated in 2004. Later, he earned a master's degree from Murray State.

Abdur-Rahim's coaching prowess was evident early in his career. While on staff at the University of Georgia, he played a key role in recruiting future No. 1 NBA pick Anthony Edwards. He was also notably known as the younger brother of Shareef Abdur-Rahim, an NBA player for 13 seasons.

Amir Abdur-Rahim is survived by his wife, Arianne Buchanan, and their three children – daughters Laila and Lana, and son Aydin. The sports world mourns his loss, but his legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire those who follow in his path.