Rahim was just too radiant, too starry, too cosmic and charismatic, to remain in our stratosphere for an extended period. After launching the Bulls to a new dimension last winter, most presumed Abdur-Rahim wouldn’t be long for Tampa.

In his brief time with South Florida basketball, Amir Abdur-Rahim left a lasting mark that was more about the man he was than about all the wins.

Rahim, who led the Bulls to the American Athletic Conference’s regular-season championship a year ago, has died. He was 43.