The college basketball community mourns the loss of Amir Abdur-Rahim, head coach of the University of South Florida men’s basketball team, who died Oct. 24, 2024, at age 43. He passed away due to complications from a medical procedure at a hospital in the Tampa area.
As reported by the Tampa Bay Times, Abdur-Rahim had been dealing with an undisclosed illness. He was entering his second season with the Bulls. Widely seen as a rising coaching talent, he was also the younger brother of former NBA All-Star Shareef Abdur-Rahim.
Amir Abdur-Rahim Dies at 43: Cause of Death and Legacy
Abdur-Rahim, head coach of the South Florida men’s basketball team, died at Tampa General Hospital from complications during a medical procedure connected to an undisclosed illness.
He was 43. According to a release from the university, Abdur-Rahim was undergoing treatment at a Tampa-area hospital when the fatal complications occurred. Following his death, USF named the student section at the Yuengling Center in his honor and announced a permanent tribute within the arena.
Abdur-Rahim assumed his duties at USF in March 2023. Prior to that, he had already led the Kennesaw State team to an impressive resurgence. From the very bottom of the rating (2019-2021), the coach managed to lift his team to the top of the rating (2022-2023) with a 25–23 result, a championship, and an NCAA Tournament invitation. His overall record at Kennesaw State was 45–74 (.378), with a 24–41 (.369) conference record.
In his lone season at South Florida, Abdur-Rahim led the Bulls to a 25–8 record and a 16–2 finish in the American Athletic Conference—both program bests. The team claimed its first-ever regular-season conference title, making the NIT second round. His AAC record at USF was 16–2 (.889), with an overall 25–8 (.758) mark. He earned unanimous AAC Coach of the Year honors.
“Coach Abdur-Rahim leaves a lasting impact on our student-athletes, the University, and the community,” said USF athletic director Michael Kelly. “He was authentic, driven, and infectious personality captivated all of Bulls Nation.”
USF President Rhea Law added,
“His influence on our student-athletes, coaching staff, and the university community will live forever. While working with Coach Abdur-Rahim, I was continually inspired by his leadership and truly admired his sincere approach to connecting with our entire student body. His influence on our student-athletes, coaching staff, and the university community will live on forever.”
A Georgia native and Southeastern Louisiana alum, Abdur-Rahim held assistant coaching roles at Georgia and Texas A&M. He leaves behind his wife, Arianne Buchanan, their three children—Laila, Lana, and Aydin—and his brother, former NBA All-Star Shareef.
