TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — For the first time in program history, the University of South Florida men’s basketball team is the American Athletic Conference regular-season champions.
But for first-year head coach Amir Abdur-Rahim and his players, the historic moment was bigger than basketball, as the team advanced to a 15-game win streak, ranking them at No. 24.
“Florida Florida man, that’s what it’s about for me, Florida man,” a teary-eyed Abdur-Rahim said after defeating Tulane 82-72 on Senior Day Tuesday night.
“You’re going to make me cry, Florida man,” USF guard Selton Miguel said.
“I’m sorry, Florida man, but I can’t help it because it’s just great to see the growth in young people. When they start to just see themselves as more than just basketball players. When they start to see themselves as men,” the head coach said.
It was an emotional night for Florida many, including senior Selton Miguel, who has cherished his time in Tampa.
“There’s been a lot of ups and downs, but finishing as a champion and finishing with a new family…it means a lot to me. They’re my brothers for a lifetime,” said Miguel.
The only guaranteed bid for USF to make the NCAA tournament is if the Bulls win the AAC tournament, which begins March 13th.
On Monday, USF moved up in rankings, securing the No. 24 spot in the AP Top 25 College Basketball Poll and the USA Today Coaches Poll. The Bulls are currently riding the nation’s longest active streak with 15 wins.
