Tributes pour in from around the country after the death of USF's Amir Abdur-Rahim

As the reality of the death of USF men’s basketball coach Amir Abdur-Rahim at age 43 sank in, an extraordinary outpouring of love and support from all corners of athletics followed.

He was beloved, respected, and grounded in integrity and faith, and his passing shattered those closest to him and those who maybe only knew him from afar.

Former Bull Kasean Pryor, now at Louisville, said on Instagram, “You changed my life coach! I love you.”

USF football coach Alex Golesh tweeted, "I am devastated by the sudden passing of my good friend Amir Abdur-Rahim, an outstanding man, husband, father and leader who brought tremendous positive energy to all he encountered.

"My heart breaks for his wife, Arianne, his three children, extended family and many friends. My prayers and those of our entire football program are with them as well as his players and staff during this incredibly difficult time.

"Rest in Peace my brother!"

In a story on his passing, the Washington Post said he was “viewed by many as a rising star in the coaching ranks.”

Auburn basketball coach Bruce Pearl tweeted, “One of the best young basketball coaches in the country and an even better person! He had an old-school approach and a ministry about his teaching. Tremendous loss! Praying for his family, friends, and the USF Men's basketball program.”

The Deseret News in Salt Lake City reported on a tribute from Justin Young, BYU’s new director of recruiting and the older brother of head coach Kevin Young.

They both knew Abdur-Rahim while growing up in the Atlanta area and stayed close.

“Amir Abdur-Rahim was a force for good in the world Truly,” Justin Young wrote on X. “He made you believe in something bigger than yourself. If you ever had a chance to converse with him, you were better for it. I’m heartbroken for his family and his basketball families.”

In a statement,  American Athletic Conference Commissioner Tim Pernetti said he was “devastated” by the news.

"In only five years as a head coach, Amir established himself as one of the best in college basketball, winning championships in two conferences and taking both South Florida and Kennesaw State to unprecedented levels of success,” the statement read.

"More impressively, he won the right way, with class and grace, and was a true leader among his colleagues and student-athletes. He embodied the greater mission of education through athletics in every way. Amir was only in our conference for one year, but he made such a profound impact on so many people, both on the court and in the community, simply by treating everyone with kindness, dignity, and respect.

Abdur-Rahim’s last victory as a coach was over UCF in last year’s NIT opening round. The UCF basketball department tweeted: “Deeply saddened to hear of Coach Abdur-Rahim’s passing. Our hearts go out to his family and USF.”

University of Kentucky men’s basketball coach Mark Pope tweeted, “I’m saddened to hear of the passing of Amir Abdur-Rahim. He was a championship-winning coach who was an exceptional leader of young men. More importantly, he was also a father, husband, brother and son. This is a devastating loss. I will be praying for the Abdur-Rahim family and the USF community.”

The Bulls have an exhibition game scheduled against Edward Waters on October 30 before opening the regular season on November 4 in Jacksonville against the Florida Gators.