TAMPA, FLA. – The USF men’s basketball team opens the regular season in Jacksonville, FL against the No. 21-ranked Florida Gators. 

The Bulls won’t be back at home at the Yueling Center Nov. 12 against Arkansas Pine-Bluff. 

This is the season of resilience for this team. 

“We’re always motivated no matter what the circumstances are, but obviously with Coach not being here there’s even more motivation for him,” said USF point guard Jayden Reid. 

After the tragic passing of head coach Amir Abdur-Rahim, the players are facing challenges beyond the court this year. Ben Fletcher, who was Abdur-Rahim’s right-hand man, is leading the charge as he was elevated to interim head coach.

“If I get emotional then I get emotional you’ll see it but instead of trying to mask and I’m embracing it,” said Ben Fletcher, USF men’s basketball interim head coach. 

The Bulls lost three starters to the transfer portal however USF returns Kobe Knox who started all 33 games last season, and Jayden Reid and Brandon Stroud.

“I feel like we can handle it in the first game. My guy needs to get that first win,” USF guard Brandon Stroud said. 

The team went to Spain for a summer tour. Reid feels like brought them closer together, and that they are ready for whatever is ahead of them this season.