The legacy of the late USF basketball coach Amir Abdur-Rahim will live on most appropriately. The American Athletic Conference announced plans for the Amir Abdur-Rahim Sportsmanship Award.
It will be presented annually to the men’s basketball player who best exemplifies the qualities of sportsmanship, fair play, and leadership.
The award will be determined by a vote of the conference head coaches.
AAC Commissioner Tim Pernetti also announced that Abdur-Rahim has been named Honorary 2024-25 American Men’s Basketball Coach of the Year.
Pernetti will present the award to Abdur-Rahim’s family at USF’s February 6 home game against Temple. The American will also donate $15,000 to the Future Foundation, a nonprofit organization that was close to Abdur-Rahim and his family’s hearts.
That figure represents his contracted bonus for winning the Coach of the Year honor.
“Coach Amir had a positive and lasting impact on the young men he coached, the South Florida community, the game of basketball and the American Athletic Conference,” Pernetti said.
“We are so proud to name him Honorary Coach of the Year this season and to support the Future Foundation, which is so important to the Abdur-Rahim family. The Amir Abdur-Rahim Sportsmanship Award will ensure his legacy, forever, by recognizing student-athletes who exemplify the traits that made Amir so special.”
USF Vice President for Athletics Michael Kelly expressed gratitude for the tribute.
“Coach Amir's passion for mentoring student-athletes, his unwavering commitment to excellence, and his kindness and integrity left a lasting impact on USF and our community. He didn’t just connect with those of us at USF — he united the entire Tampa Bay community and will always be a true inspiration to us all,” Kelly said.
“Naming him Honorary Coach of the Year and establishing the Amir Abdur-Rahim Sportsmanship Award are fitting ways to celebrate his legacy and ensure his values continue to inspire future generations.”
Abdur-Rahim died on October 24 while undergoing what was called a “medical procedure.”
He was 43 years old.
In his one season with the Bulls, Abdur-Rahim led USF to a program-record 25 wins and its first regular-season conference championship. For that accomplishment, he was named the AAC’s Coach of the Year for the 2023-24 season.
He was also lauded for his positive attitude towards everyone and for stressing that love wins.