The University of South Florida made an announcement on Tuesday, appointing Ben Fletcher as the interim basketball coach. This decision comes after the unfortunate passing of Coach Amir Abdur-Rahim. Fletcher, who was a close friend of Abdur-Rahim and had previously worked with him to improve struggling programs at Kennesaw State and USF, has been chosen to guide the Bulls during this difficult time.
Fletcher expressed his commitment to supporting the players as they grieve the loss of their coach while also maintaining a focus on achieving success in the American Athletic Conference. He emphasized the importance of allowing the players to process their emotions at their own pace while ensuring that they receive all the necessary support. The interim coach also highlighted the significance of honoring Abdur-Rahim’s legacy by keeping his name alive in the basketball program.
Abdur-Rahim passed away at the age of 43 due to complications during a medical procedure at a hospital in the Tampa area. Despite the tragic loss, the Bulls are set to play an exhibition game against Edward Waters, followed by their regular-season opener against No. 21 Florida in Jacksonville next week. Fletcher mentioned that the players expressed a desire to continue playing and practicing, and he has been supportive of their decision while prioritizing their emotional well-being.
Fletcher’s coaching journey began at his alma mater, Troy, where he had previously played in the NCAA Tournament and later served as an assistant coach. He then joined Abdur-Rahim’s staff at Kennesaw State, where they achieved remarkable success, including a trip to the NCAA Tournament. Following Abdur-Rahim to USF in 2023, Fletcher played a key role in the Bulls’ impressive performance last season, culminating in a conference championship and a spot in the AP Top 25 rankings.
Michael Kelly, the vice president for athletics at USF, expressed confidence in Fletcher’s ability to lead the program forward. He praised Fletcher’s experience and dedication, highlighting his role in the transformation of the basketball programs at Kennesaw State and USF. Kelly emphasized the players’ eagerness to continue pursuing their goals both on and off the court, in line with Abdur-Rahim’s vision for the team.
As the Bulls navigate this challenging period, Fletcher’s leadership and the team’s unity will be crucial in honoring Abdur-Rahim’s legacy and striving for success in the upcoming season. The USF community, along with basketball fans, will be watching closely as Fletcher leads the team through this transition.
