USF Bulls Sweep Top AAC Awards: Youngblood, Miguel Shine

The South Florida Bulls have emerged as the toast of the American Athletic Conference (AAC) this season, with head coach Amir Abdur-Rahim and stars Chris Youngblood and Selton Miguel sweeping some of the league’s top honors.

In a remarkable first season at the helm, Abdur-Rahim was unanimously named the AAC Coach of the Year, becoming the first USF mentor to achieve this feat. His impact has been nothing short of transformative, guiding the Bulls to a 20-win campaign – just the sixth time in program history – and a remarkable 23 victories in the regular season, one shy of the all-time record.

Under Abdur-Rahim’s guidance, USF not only earned their first-ever national ranking, climbing to No. 24 in both the AP and Coaches Polls, but also set a new program benchmark with 16 conference wins. The Bulls’ 15-game winning streak stands as the longest in the school’s annals, cementing Abdur-Rahim’s status as a coaching virtuoso.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by the conference, but this award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our players and staff,” said Abdur-Rahim. “We’ve come a long way, but our journey is far from over.”

Leading the charge for the Bulls has been the dynamic duo of Chris Youngblood and Selton Miguel. Youngblood, a senior guard, was named the Co-Player of the Year and earned a spot on the All-AAC First Team – the first USF player to achieve both honors since Dominique Jones in 2010.

Youngblood’s impact has been undeniable, averaging 15.7 points per game in conference play while draining a league-best 45.0% from beyond the arc. His clutch shooting and offensive prowess have been instrumental in the Bulls’ success, highlighted by a career-high 29 points against Tulane on March 3.

“It’s an incredible feeling to be recognized as one of the best players in the conference,” said Youngblood. “But none of this would be possible without the support of my teammates and coaches.”

Sharing the spotlight with Youngblood is the versatile Selton Miguel, who earned the Sixth Man of the Year and Most Improved Player accolades. Miguel’s impact off the bench has been invaluable, averaging 14.9 points per game while providing a spark on both ends of the floor.

“Selton’s growth and development have been remarkable,” said Abdur-Rahim. “He’s a prime example of what can happen when you combine talent with an unwavering work ethic.”

Rounding out the Bulls’ postseason honors is freshman guard Jayden Reid, who earned a spot on the All-Freshman Team after averaging 5.7 points and 2.3 rebounds per game.

As the AAC Tournament looms on the horizon, the Bulls enter as the No. 1 seed, carrying the weight of expectations and the hopes of a program on the rise. With Abdur-Rahim at the helm and stars like Youngblood and Miguel leading the charge, USF’s quest for greatness has only just begun.