South Florida men’s basketball coach Amir Abdur-Rahim died Thursday while undergoing a medical procedure, the school confirmed. Abdur-Rahim was 43.

The school said in a statement that complications arose during his treatment at a Tampa-area hospital.

“All of us at South Florida Athletics mourn with Coach Abdur-Rahim’s loved ones,” athletic director Michael Kelly said in a statement. “He was authentic, driven and his infectious personality captivated all of Bulls Nation. Coach Abdur-Rahim has a lasting impact on our student-athletes, the university and the community.”

Abdur-Rahim was seen as a rising star in the profession and a potential major program coach. He led a remarkable turnaround in his first season with the Bulls last year, earning unanimous American Athletic Conference Coach of the Year honors. He coached South Florida to a school-record 25 wins, its first ever regular-season conference title, its first appearance in the polls and its first NIT appearance in more than a decade.

Before taking over the Bulls in March 2023, Georgia native Abdur-Rahim led Kennesaw State to 26 wins and its first trip to the NCAA tournament after the program went 1-28 in his first season at the helm (2019-20 ). .

The Southeast Louisiana graduate also spent time as an assistant at Georgia and Texas A&M.

“In a very short time, Coach Abdur-Rahim has made an indelible impact on the University of South Florida,” said school President Rhea Law. “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 body. His impact on our student-athletes, coaching staff and the university community will live on forever.”

Corey Staniscia witnessed Abdur-Rahim’s influence and genuine connections firsthand as director of the Bulls’ Fowler Ave Collective. Abdur-Rahim sent random supportive text messages. More than once he hung out at the Starbucks on campus and charged students’ drinks to his bill.

The last time Staniscia saw him, he asked how the team was doing. Abdur-Rahim’s response: “I make them love each other.”

“That man loved his athletes and what he did,” Staniscia said. “He really cared about them.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better person.”

Abdur-Rahim is survived by his wife, Arianne Buchanan, and three children, Laila, Lana and Aydin. His older brother, Shareef, was a longtime forward in the NBA.

Abdur-Rahim’s death comes less than a week before South Florida’s scheduled game against Edward Waters. The school has not announced an interim coach.

(Photo: Chris Jones / Imagn Images)