Kennesaw State University Athletics

Amir Abdur-Rahim is being inducted posthumously after orchestrating one of the most remarkable turnarounds in men’s college basketball history at Kennesaw State. Taking over a program without a Division I winning season, he led the Owls from a one-win campaign in 2019-20 to a school-record 26 victories and both the Atlantic Sun regular season and tournament championships in 2022-23, culminating in the program’s first NCAA Tournament appearance. KSU made national headlines during that run, pushing No. 3 seed Xavier to the brink in a tightly contested first-round game.

Abdur-Rahim’s impact extended far beyond wins and accolades, though he was recognized as the 2022-23 Hugh Durham Mid-Major Coach of the Year and ASUN Coach of the Year. Known for his intentionality, authenticity, and ability to build deep relationships, he left a lasting impression on players, colleagues, and the broader basketball community. Former players and peers consistently point to his leadership, genuine care for others, and ability to inspire those around him as defining traits. His legacy lives on not only through the historic success he brought to Kennesaw State, but through the countless lives he impacted along the way.