“Humble.” “Authentic.” “Loving.”

These are just a few of the words that resonated through the Yuengling Center on Saturday, as family, fans and members of the USF community gathered to honor the life of late men’s basketball coach Amir Abdur-Rahim.

Born in Marietta Georgia, Abdur-Rahim was one of 13 siblings, including former NBA All-Star Shareef Abdur-Rahim. He is survived by his wife Arianne and their three children.

“I selfishly thought he inspired me alone,” said Arianne, Abdur-Rahim’s wife. “The overwhelming display of loving text, cards, direct messages …shows me that I might’ve been the most inspired, but not the only.”

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

Abdur-Rahim was 43 when he died on Oct. 24 due to complications from a medical procedure. He led the program to unprecedented success in his brief time at USF, coaching the Bulls to a national ranking and a regular season conference title.

To preserve Abdur-Rahim’s legacy, USF president Rhea Law and Athletics Director Michael Kelly announced future tributes in his honor. 

Law said the student section will be renamed after him, a nod to his tradition of saluting students before every game and celebrating with them afterward. Law also revealed plans for a permanent tribute to be installed in the Yuengling Center.

Kelly announced a newly established home and home series between USF and Kennesaw State, where Abdur-Rahim coached for four years before joining the Bulls. The series will be called the “Love Wins Classic,” named after Abdur-Rahim’s personal mantra.

At his memorial, reflections on Abdur-Rahim’s career took a backseat. Instead, those closest to him shared personal stories that portrayed his impact beyond the court. 

The men’s basketball team came to the stage together, with words being shared by sophomore guard Jayden Reid and junior guard Kobe Knox.

Reid told the audience of a time Abdur-Rahim kicked him out of practice, just for the coach to come visit him that same night and gleefully playfight with him to ease the tension. Reid said moments like these from Abdur-Rahim helped him become a great player.

“That just shows you who Coach Amir is,” Reid said. “The love he showed me and the confidence he instilled in me from day one was why I was able to be successful last year.”

Knox said Abdur-Rahim told him a phrase he usually only heard from his parents.

“He was one of the first people besides my parents to say ‘I love you,’” Knox said. “As time went on, it got easier to say ‘I love you’ back because he really meant a lot to me.”

Interim head coach Ben Fletcher, who followed Abdur-Rahim from Kennesaw State to USF, offered insights into his colleague’s personality. 

He said Abdur-Rahim was humorous and loved music. He also said he was a foodie, reading off a list of restaurants Abdur-Rahim had wanted them to try together.

Fletcher said the last restaurant Abur-Rahim suggested was Acropolis, located in Ybor City. 

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

Fletcher took time to reflect on Abdur-Rahim’s mentorship. He said the coach believed in his ability to lead.

“In a lot of those pictures, you’d see me in the background,” Fletcher said. “That’s where I was always comfortable. But he would always tell me, ‘You’re ready … your opportunity will come soon.’”

Fletcher said he would leave an open spot on the bench this season in dedication to Abdur-Rahim.

Abdur-Rahim’s older brother Shareef took to the stage to share words about his loved one.

Fighting back tears, he reflected on the lessons he learned from his younger brother. 

“Along the journey, even as the older brother, he was teaching me,” Shareef said. “He showed me the importance of connection, of relationships, and the power of people.”

Shareef founded the “Future Foundation”, an organization that provides after-school classes, family support workshops and corporate-mentorships for young students in the South Fulton community the brothers grew up in. The family has requested supporters to donate to the organization in lieu of flowers.

Arianne reflected on her late husband’s positivity and kindness.

 “A simple greeting could turn into a life-changing interaction,” she said. “He always looked at the glass half-full. He was one of my sources of encouragement.”

Law recalled Abdur-Rahim’s selflessness, highlighting times he showcased his humility and generosity. 

She recounted when he personally thanked fans who waited in the rain for tickets and unannounced visits he made to pass out food to students

Law said  Abdur-Rahim valued unity beyond just the basketball program. 

“He talked about the importance of being connected, and it wasn’t just to the team, but the entire community,” Law said. 

“Authentic relationships mattered to him,” Law said. “He had a special gift for bringing people together.”

Jim Lighthall, USF play-by-play caller, said he knew he would love working with Abdur-Rahim after the first time they met.

“He was humble, he was real,” Lighthall said. “Dedicated, caring, and maybe most of all a man of great faith.”

Arianne’s parting words to the audience implored them to leave messages to Abdur-Rahim’s family, in hopes they will impact her children later in life.

“Please use the website to leave your memories and I’ll share them with my kids when they’re feeling sad and low,”  Arianne said. “And maybe, just maybe, they can feel the words of their father through you.”