The USF men's basketball team is set to play its first game without head coach Amir Abdur-Rahim, who died last week from complications related to a medical procedure at 43. Taking the helm as interim head coach for the 2024-25 season is Ben Fletcher, who served as Abdur-Rahim's associate head coach. "It's a difficult day, as you know. But, I know that Coach Amir would want me to do this," Fletcher told FOX 13 News. The team returns to the court on Wednesday against Edward Waters College at the Yuengling Center.
Despite the sudden change, the team appeared focused during their first practice since the incident, embodying the spirit of their late coach. "In typical Amir fashion, man, those guys were as locked in as I’ve ever seen," Fletcher told ABC Action News. Their readiness to play was interpreted as a tribute to Abdur-Rahim. Fletcher, who also has a history with Abdur-Rahim from their days at Kennesaw State and as college competitors, recalled Abdur-Rahim's words of encouragement, "You’re ready, God is preparing you for this," according to a WFLA interview.
Abdur-Rahim in one season made history with USF by leading the Bulls to their first regular-season conference championship and a Top 25 ranking. His efforts went beyond basketball, as he would often engage with students across campus, demonstrating an investment in the community that won't soon be forgotten. "He bought into the lesson that we're all more alike than we are unalike" USF Vice President of Athletics Michael Kelly observed in a statement to FOX 13 News.
The university has organized a public celebration of life in Abdur-Rahim's honor, scheduled for this Saturday, Nov. 2, at the Yuengling Center. Instead of flowers, the family has asked for donations to the Future Foundation, a non-profit organization with which Abdur-Rahim was involved. Survived by his wife, Arianne, and three children, Abdur-Rahim's legacy includes his commitment to both his team and the larger USF community—a legacy Fletcher is now tasked with continuing. "He will spearhead us through this season," Fletcher said in the same conversation with FOX 13 News, a sentiment reflecting both hope and determination in the face of loss.
