USF men’s basketball was on the court just six days after the death of Amir Abdur-Rahim.

In fact, they were back in practice just 48 hours after their late head coach died last Thursday due to complications from a medical procedure.

To some, that may seem way too soon. But for the Bulls, it was the proper way to honor their late head coach. 

“Those guys were as locked in as I’ve ever seen,” interim head coach Ben Fletcher said during a Tuesday press conference. “That was their way of honoring him. Absolutely, they wanted to play… they wanted to practice.” 

Related: USF men’s basketball coach Amir Abdur-Rahim dies at 43

USF saw its first action of the season in an exhibition game against Edward Waters on Wednesday, a 94-51 win before it begins the regular season next week. It was Fletcher’s first game under the helm since being announced as the interim head coach on Tuesday. 

The Bulls paid tribute to Abdur-Rahim with a halftime tribute video. Players wore patches with his initials – “AAR” – on their jerseys. 

Fifth-year guard Brandon Stroud shared a close bond with Abdur-Rahim. Stroud played under Abdur-Rahim for three seasons at Kennesaw State before following him to USF. 

He said he spent the past few days traveling to and from Kennesaw State speaking at its memorial service for Abdur-Rahim, something he described as “pretty emotional.” 

“I’ve been around Coach Amir for, I can’t even explain, from bus rides to plane rides,” Stroud said after the game. “I’ve been with him since I was 18, and now I’m 22, so you already know I just learned a lot.” 

Related: USF announces Ben Fletcher as men’s basketball interim head coach

Stroud said he dedicated Wednesday’s win to Fletcher. 

“I know he feels some relief off his shoulders,” Stroud said. “But I totally believe in Coach Fletcher and what he can do.” 

Sophomore guard Jayden Reid is expected to step up after earning a spot on last season’s American Athletic Conference All-Freshman team. 

He said Abdur-Rahim pushed him to be a more vocal leader, something he’s now trying to do to honor him as he steps into a more veteran role. 

“I was here last year and won the championship, like all the returning guys, we know what it takes,” Reid said. “So, just pouring into the new guys so everyone’s on the same page.” 

Fletcher said he had “a lot going on” during his first full day as the Bulls prepared for their first game of the season.

After all, it was just a day after being announced as the team’s interim head coach.

“If I get emotional, I’ll get emotional, you’ll see it,” Fletcher said. “But I think now, instead of trying to mask it, for me, is embracing it, so that’s the biggest thing.” 

USF will tip off against Florida in its first regular season game at 8:30 p.m. Monday. The game will be played at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, FL. and will be broadcast on SEC Network and Bulls Unlimited.