Following the tragic passing of former head coach Amir Abdur-Rahim, South Florida has appointed Ben Fletcher as the interim basketball coach. The university believes Fletcher, a close friend of Abdur-Rahim, is the ideal candidate to lead the Bulls during this challenging time.
Fletcher, who previously worked alongside Abdur-Rahim at Kennesaw State and USF, has vowed to support the grieving players and maintain a high standard of success for the team in the American Athletic Conference.
Expressing his commitment to helping the players cope with their loss, Fletcher emphasized the importance of acknowledging the reality of the situation and providing the necessary support for the team.
Abdur-Rahim, who tragically passed away at the age of 43 due to complications during a medical procedure, had led the Bulls to a historic season, achieving a school-record 25 wins and securing the program's first conference championship.
Despite the emotional turmoil, the Bulls are preparing to resume their season with an exhibition game against Edward Waters and a forthcoming matchup against No. 21 Florida.
Fletcher, who began his coaching career at Troy and later joined Abdur-Rahim's staff at Kennesaw State and USF, is highly regarded for his coaching abilities and past successes.
USF's vice president for athletics, Michael Kelly, expressed confidence in Fletcher's leadership, citing his experience and dedication to the program's growth and success.
The team is determined to honor Abdur-Rahim's legacy by upholding the standards he set and continuing to strive for excellence both on and off the court.
As the Bulls navigate this challenging period, Fletcher's guidance and the unwavering support of the university will play a crucial role in helping the team move forward while honoring the memory of their beloved former coach.
