Amir Abdur-Rahim, the head coach of the South Florida Bulls basketball team, has been making quite the impact this season. Known for their ability to come from behind and secure wins, the Bulls have shown resilience and determination on the court.
During a recent game against Rice, where the Bulls fell behind by 13 points in the first half, Abdur-Rahim found motivation in the presence of Billy Kennedy, his former coach. Kennedy, who had previously coached Abdur-Rahim at Southeastern Louisiana and served as his assistant at Murray State and Texas A&M, reminded Abdur-Rahim to stay focused and composed.
And it paid off. In the second half, the Bulls improved their shooting percentage to 53% and ultimately won the game by four points. This ability to turn things around is a testament to Abdur-Rahim's coaching prowess and his belief in his players.
Abdur-Rahim took over as head coach of the Bulls in March of last year, after a successful stint at Kennesaw State. In his first season with the Owls, he led the team to a significant improvement in their record, going from a mere six wins the previous year to 26 wins and an NCAA tournament appearance.
Now, at USF, Abdur-Rahim and his coaching staff are continuing to make positive strides. The team has set several records, including winning nine consecutive conference games, a feat they had not achieved before. With a record of 17-5, including winning 10 out of their last 11 American Athletic Conference matchups, the Bulls are on track to have one of their most successful seasons in recent years.
Abdur-Rahim attributes a large part of his coaching style to the lessons he learned from Kennedy. Aside from the on-court strategies, Abdur-Rahim also admires Kennedy's approach to life beyond basketball. Kennedy's commitment to family has inspired Abdur-Rahim to be more intentional about spending time with his own children and being present as a father.
Another crucial aspect that Abdur-Rahim learned from Kennedy is emotional maturity. He admits that he used to be fiery and could easily get caught up in the heat of the game. But Kennedy's calm, even-keeled demeanor taught him the importance of maintaining composure in challenging situations. Abdur-Rahim now strives to create a balanced environment for his players, using practices as a time to teach and instill confidence in them while allowing them to take charge during games.
The Bulls' success is not just attributed to their talented coach but also to the unity and teamwork they have exhibited throughout the season. Despite having only three returning players, the team has overcome a slow start to the non-conference schedule and has managed to bounce back from significant deficits. Abdur-Rahim attributes their comeback wins to their cohesive teamwork.
This season, the Bulls are showing promise and gaining recognition. Recently receiving votes in both the AP poll and the coaches' poll, it's the first time in several years that they have garnered attention on a national level. As they continue their journey, Abdur-Rahim emphasizes the importance of growth and humility. By constantly striving for improvement in all areas and remaining grounded, he believes the team will find success.
The South Florida Bulls, led by Amir Abdur-Rahim, are making waves in the basketball world with their impressive performance this season. With their ability to overcome challenges, their strong team dynamic, and Abdur-Rahim's nurturing coaching style, the Bulls are poised to achieve great things. The upcoming weeks will test their growth and humility, but if they stay true to their values, there is no telling how far they can go.
