USF to honor Amir Abdur-Rahim with memorial service
Two memorial services, including one on USF’s Tampa campus, have been scheduled for late USF men’s basketball coach Amir Abdur-Rahim.
A public service will be held at the Yuengling Center at 11 a.m on Nov. 2. More details are to come about the memorial when available, according to the university.
Abdur-Rahim, 43, died due to complications from a medical procedure at a Tampa-area hospital on Thursday, according to the university.
Abdur-Rahim was named USF’s 11th head coach on March 29, 2023. In his first season with the Bulls, he led the team to a program record 25 wins and its first ever American Athletic Conference regular season title.
Related: USF men’s basketball coach Amir Abdur-rahim dies at 43
Michael Kelly, Athletics director, reflected on Abdur-Rahim’s time at the university on Instagram, as he said the coach’s achievements went beyond the court.
“His primary goal was always to have the most connected team in college basketball,” Kelly said. “What he ended up doing is connecting an entire community.”
A memorial was put together at USF’s Tampa campus, as fans decorated a bull statue outside of the Yuengling Center with green and gold memorabilia.
USF’s memorial is set two days before the start of the season. The Bulls will play its first regular season game 8:30 p.m. on Nov 4
Abdur-Rahim is survived by his wife Arianne, and his three children. Instead of flowers, the family has requested for fans to contribute to the Future Foundation to keep Abdur-Rahim’s “legacy alive”.
Future Foundation was founded by Abdur-Rahim’s brother Shareef Abdur-Rahim, his wife Delicia and sister Qaadirah Abdur-Rahim in 2001.
The organization provides after-school classes, family support workshops and corporate-mentorships for young students in the South Fulton community, where Abdur-Rahim grew up, according to its website.
Abdur-Rahim’s basketball roots started in the southern state. He was raised in South Fulton and played on his high school basketball team in Marietta.
Kennesaw State will also host a celebration of life at the university’s Convocation Center 5 p.m. Sunday.
Before arriving at South Florida, Abdur-Rahim served as the men’s basketball coach for the Golden Owls from 2019-2023. In his last year with the team, he led the team to an Atlantic Sun title and their first appearance in the NCAA tournament.
The service is open to the public and doors will open at 4 p.m. For those who cannot attend in person, the service will also be streamed on the KSUOwls.com platform.
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