TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A Celebration of Life for the late University of South Florida’s men’s basketball head coach, Amir Abdur-Rahim, was held Saturday morning.
Friends, family and fans of the USF men’s basketball program gathered Saturday morning at the Yuengling Center in Tampa for a celebration of life of the late Amir Abdur-Rahim, who died suddenly last week at the age of 43.
The exact cause of the death has not been disclosed, but USF said he died from complications during a medical procedure.
“All of us with South Florida Athletics are grieving with the loved ones of Coach Abdur-Rahim,” said Michael Kelly, vice president for Athletics. “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.”
For more than a week, attention was on the team itself and its admirable response to press on with its preseason preparation, with the regular season beginning on Monday.
On Saturday, it was love for coach Amir, and the man that transcended his job and his sport, touching lives beyond measure.
“He was a believer that love wins,“ Arianne Abdur-Rahim, wife of Amir, said. “So, love like you have never loved before and pay it forward.”
This was her first public appearance in the bay area since her husband’s passing.
Amir’s brother, Shareef, one of 13 siblings in the family, noted that Amir’s demeanor on the sidelines during games reminded him of their father’s body language and the pursuit to help others.
Shareef, the family’s NBA star for more than a decade spoke about the bond he had with his brother, teasing him after one game this past spring when Amir climbed into the USF student section to celebrate.
“What are you doing in the student section,” Shareef texted his younger brother. Amir responded with enthusiasm for the students and spirit of the community.
Stories only added to the legacy that Abdur-Rahim leaves behind.
USF Vice President of Athletics Michael Kelly announced that USF will play a basketball series with Kennesaw State, Amir’s previous program that experienced success under his guidance. The series will be known as the “Love Wins” Classic.
USF President Rhea Law made two announcements. The student section will be named after Abdur-Rahim and the university is planning to construct a permanent structure to honor the coach displayed at the Yuengling Center.
Abdur-Rahim first joined USF’s coaching staff on March 29, 2023, leading the Bulls to get the most wins in the history of the university’s basketball program. Before his move to Tampa, he previously coached at Kennesaw State University.
He is survived by his wife, Arianne, and their three kids.
