USF Basketball Coach Dead at 43

The college basketball world and the college sports world in general were stunned to learn of the death of South Florida head basketball coach Amir Abdur-Rahim.

Abdur-Rahim was considered one of the biggest up-and-coming stars in college basketball.

According to reports, Abdur-Rahim was undergoing a medical procedure when complications arose, costing him his life.

Shocked

USF athletic director Michael Kelly was clearly crushed by the death, stating, "All of us with South Florida Athletics are grieving with the loved ones of Coach Abdur-Rahim.

"He was authentic, driven, and his infectious personality captivated all of Bulls Nation. Coach Abdur-Rahim leaves a lasting impact on our student-athletes, the University, and the community.

“We are supporting those closest to him, including his family, team, and athletics staff, to ensure they have the resources they need to deal with this tremendous loss."

Abdur-Rahim created quite the splash at his opening press conference stating, "I asked [Kelly], 'You afraid of heights?'

"'Because you're going to have to get up on that ladder one day to cut down those nets.'"

Abdur-Rahim was only a 5th-year coach, having just completed his first year with USF.

He spent his initial four years with Kennesaw State, going from 1-28 his first season to 26-9 in his fourth, gaining national attention and the job at USF.

Prior to Abdur-Rahim taking over the program, USF had been struggling for years.

USF did not have a winning season after a 20-14 campaign during the 2018-19 season until he took over the program. 

Along came Coach Abdur-Rahim, immediately leading USF to a 25-8 record, winning the AAC title for the first time, but the school did not receive an invite to the NCAA Tournament, something Coach Abdur-Rahim hoped to rectify this season.

Sadly, Coach Abdur-Rahim will not be able to live up to his promise of making Kelly climb the ladder to cut down the nets, but I have no doubt he would have delivered had he not unexpectedly passed away.

This is a massive loss for the school and a huge loss for the sport.

Rest in peace, sir.