USF plans training search, ‘grateful’ for Fletcher

Mar 14, 2025, 03:24 PM ET TAMPA, Fla.– South Florida will carry out a national search for a brand-new men’s basketball coach after Ben Fletcher filled the role on an interim basis this season following the death of Amir Abdur-Rahim.

Abdur-Rahim died at the age of 43 on Oct. 24, 11 days before South Florida’s season opener. The Bulls went 13-19 total and 6-12 in the American Athletic Conference this season under Fletcher, who previously had actually worked as an assistant on Abdur-Rahim’s personnels at Kennesaw State and South Florida.The Bulls lost their last 5 games, including a 73-68 choice versus Wichita State in the American Athletic Conference Tournament on Thursday.Editor’s Picks 1 Related”We are forever grateful to interim head coach Ben Fletcher for his

management under amazing situations this season. I likewise wish to thank our staff and student-athletes for their durability,”South Florida vice president for athletics Michael Kelly stated in a declaration released by the school. “Coach Amir would be so proud. A nationwide search is underway for our next head basketball coach.”Abdur-Rahim passed away from complications that presented while he was going through a treatment at a Tampa location medical facility. He coached one season at South Florida and led the Bulls to a 25-8 record and an American Athletic Conference regular-season title. He had actually taken control of South Florida’s program after leading Kennesaw State to a 26-9 record and NCAA Tournament look throughout the 2022-23 season.