TAMPA, Fla. — USF men's basketball coach Amir Abdur-Rahim leaned closer into the microphone at his press conference Thursday as he pleaded for his team to be in this year's March Madness tournament.
"You're trying to tell me a team that's won 19 of its last 20 games...is not one of the best 68 teams in America today? Come on, man," he passionately said before the team's practice Thursday inside the Pam and Les Muma Basketball Center.
The emotion he displayed in that moment is shared throughout the University of South Florida fanbase, as the program has reached unprecedented heights this season. The Bulls earned their first-ever ranking inside the Associated Press Top 25 after winning a program-record 13 straight games.
"For 15 guys to be able to put away individual wants, or needs, or goals for the common goal of a team...it's the only way something like this happens," Abdur-Rahim said.
Thousands of fans have also boosted USF. The Bulls' previous two home games were both sellouts—another first for the program. After winning both sold-out games against FAU and SMU, the players and coach Abdur-Rahim celebrated with the student section.
Coach has also been around campus, greeting fans before games and purchasing coffee for students.
"It was just important for myself, my staff [and] our student-athletes to let our campus know that we are part of the campus. We're not separate," Abdur-Rahim said.
The Bulls are set to bring a trophy back to campus after clinching, at least, a share of the AAC regular season championship. They will be outright champions with a win against Charlotte on Saturday. However, the Bulls have their eyes on a bigger goal.
Tip-off against the 49ers is set for 4 p.m. on Saturday. The game will stream on ESPN+.