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

University of South Florida head men’s basketball coach Amir Abdur-Rahim has died. He was 43 years old.

According to a post on the school’s athletic website, Abdur-Rahim was undergoing a medical procedure at a Tampa hospital “when he passed away due to complications arising from the procedure.”

Abdur-Rahim was named head basketball coach in March 2023. Last winter, during his first season with the USF Bulls, he led the team to their first regular season championship and was named the American Athletic Conference Coach of the Year. It was also the first time they were ranked in the top 25 during the regular season.

Fernando Valenzuela, Dodgers legend and broadcaster, dies at 63

The team finished the season 25-8 after four straight losing seasons.

“Amir was only in our conference for one year, but he made such a profound impact on so many people, both on the field and in the community, simply by treating everyone with kindness, dignity and respect,” the American Athletic Conference said in a statement following his death.

USF President Rhea Law shared similar sentiments, saying in a statement that Abdur-Rahim “made an indelible impact” on the university “in a very short time.”

Amir Abdur-Rahim during a game on March 17, 2023 in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Jacob Kupferman/Getty

“He has brought unparalleled enthusiasm, achieved unprecedented success and helped create unforgettable memories for Bulls Nation. During my time working with Coach Abdur-Rahim, I was constantly inspired by his leadership and truly admired his genuine approach to connecting with our entire student body,” Law said.

The PEOPLE Puzzler has arrived! How fast can you solve it? Play now!

The vice president for athletics, Michael Kelly, said Abdur-Rahim had an “authentic,” “driven” and “infectious personality” that won the university over and left a “lasting impact.”

Former Boston Red Sox players remember late teammate Tim Wakefield in new documentary: ‘He Was My Friend’

Amir Abdur-Rahim during a game on March 15, 2024 at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas.

Chris Leduc/Icon Sportswire via Getty

Prior to coming to USF, Abdur-Rahim was the head coach at Kennesaw State University in Georgia for four seasons. There, he helped lead the team to its first March Madness appearance after winning the 2023 Atlantic Sun regular-season and tournament titles, according to a KSU news release.

He is remembered for “doubling the program’s win total each season,” culminating in a postseason run “that captured the hearts of Owl Nation.”

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Abdur-Rahim left behind his wife Arianne and three children.

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education