Amir Abdur-Rahim

Minutes before the game tipped off, the public address announced that the men's basketball student section would forever be named the “Coach Amir Abdur-Rahim student section."

Abdur-Rahim, 43, was described as an extraordinary husband, father and coach who made an incredible impact in just one year on the job.

Ben Fletcher served as associate head coach at USF last year under Amir Abdur-Rahim, who died at age 43.

Celebrations of Amir Abdur-Rahim's life will be held Oct. 27 at Kennesaw State University in Georgia, where he previously coached, and Nov. 2 at USF.

While he was only with USF for one season, Abdur-Rahim made an immediate impact on campus, turning around a long-struggling program and spreading his upbeat, inspiring personality.

USF is currently on top of the American Athletic Conference standings with three games to go. That sets them up nicely to have a chance at NCAA Tournament berth for the first time since 2012.

He takes over for Brian Gregory after leading Kennesaw State to an NCAA Tournament berth this season.