KENNESAW, Ga. — A beloved, former Kennesaw State University basketball coach and Marietta native was honored with a memorial service at KSU Sunday evening.
Amir Adur-Rahim, 43, died suddenly on Oct. 24 due to complications during a medical procedure.
Over 200 loved ones remembered him at KSU's Convocation Center.
Adur-Rahim's wife, Arianne, could barely get through her remarks.
"I want my best friend back," Arianne said.
However, the family wanted the service to be a celebration. Abdur-Rahim was a devout Muslim.
Adur-Rahim's former coach, Doug Lipscomb talked about seeing Adur-Rahim's talents early on. Lipscomb said he took legal custody over Abdur-Rahim for a period of time.
"I would break down films. And then, when I come back — or I'd leave and I'd come back, I would see him breaking down film on his own," Lipscomb said.
Before his final stint at the University of South Florida, Abdur-Rahim coached at KSU for four years. Members of Owl Nation said he transformed their struggling basketball program into a contender that reached the heights of March Madness.
"He took a team that many had given up on and instilled in them a sense of belief," said KSU President Kathy Schwaig.
Abdur-Rahim's former player Terrell Burden made time to share some kind words after being selected by the Skyhawks in the G-league draft — starting his professional career just two days after his coach's death.
"Basketball was what he used to teach us about how to become a man," Burden said.
KSU's director of athletics Milton Overton said Abdur-Rahim's leadership inspired him.
"I'm a better man. I'm a better athletic director because [of] being around someone who is so genuine," Overton said.
More than a dozen of Abdur-Rahim's colleagues, family, players, and friends described how much they'll miss him during the nearly three-hour service.
Todd said he and Abdur-Rahim had been friends since they were kids.
"Amir's spirit will always push us to strive for greatness and support one another just like he did," Todd said.
Throughout Abdur-Rahim's basketball career, he's coached at more than six colleges around the South. He's won countless awards, signed a number-one draft pick, and won a championship — but what he adored the most was coming home to his wife and three beautiful children Laila, Lana, and Aydin. While his family's life is forever changed, as the speakers promised, the love surrounding his family won't.
"As much as we're hurting, as hard as this situation is, God is greater," said Abdur-Rahim's brother.
Abdur-Rahim leaves behind 12 siblings, according to his obituary.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to "The Future Foundation." It's an organization that supports underserved, South Fulton students.