CNN
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University of South Florida head basketball coach Amir Abdur-Rahim died Thursday of complications during a medical procedure, the university said. He was 43 and considered a rising star among young coaches.

Details about the nature of the procedure and its complications have not been released.

Michael Kelly, USF vice president for athletics, said in a statement that Abdur-Rahim was “authentic and driven and his infectious personality captivated the entire Bulls Nation.”

Abdur-Rahim was hired by the Bulls prior to the 2023-2024 season and led them to their first-ever regular season American Athletic Conference (AAC) championship with a 25-8 record, the most wins in program history. He also led the Bulls to their first-ever top 25 ranking and was later named AAC Coach of the Year.

“Coach Abdur-Rahim has had a lasting impact on our student-athletes, the university and the community,” Kelly continued. “We are supporting those closest to him, including his family, team and athletics staff, to ensure they have the resources they need to cope with this tremendous loss.”

Before coming to Tampa, Abdur-Rahim was head coach of the Kennesaw State Owls for four seasons. In 2019-20, the Owls went 1-28, but under Abdur-Rahim the program turned it around and made the NCAA tournament three years later.

In 2022-2023, the Owls finished with a 26-9 record and Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) regular season and tournament titles. The program would go on to lose to No. 3 seed Xavier in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

USF President Rhea Law said Abdur-Rahim “brought unparalleled enthusiasm, achieved unprecedented success and helped generate unforgettable memories for Bulls Nation.”

“During my time working with Coach Abdur-Rahim, I was continually inspired by his leadership and truly admired his genuine approach to connecting with our entire student population,” Law continued. “His influence on our student-athletes, coaching staff and the university community will live on forever.”

Abdur-Rahim was one of thirteen siblings, six of whom played basketball, including his older brother Shareef, who was a 12-year NBA veteran and is the current president of the NBA G-League.

In a 2023 interview with CNN’s Coy Wire, Abdur-Rahim reflected on his upbringing and said the only word that came to mind was “grateful.” He also spoke about his late father.

“I just want him to know that he raised a man,” an emotional Abdur-Rahim told Wire. “And when I say he raised a man, you know, someone with character. Someone who has integrity. Someone who cares about his community.”

Abdur-Rahim is survived by his wife Arianne and his three children.

USF is scheduled to open the 2024-2025 regular season against No. 21 Florida in Jacksonville. The Bulls’ first home game is Nov. 12 against Arkansas-Pine Bluff.