Sitting at the lectern after Kennesaw State's bid for a shocking upset over No. 3 Xavier fell just short, Amir Abdur-Rahim was overcome with emotion.
Describing the program's transformation under his helm — from Atlantic Sun cellar-dwellers to a team challenging for a first-round upset in the NCAA Tournament — Abdur-Rahim was moved to "tears of joy" during the post-game presser.
MORE: Xavier teammates Souley Boum, Adam Kunkel have heated exchange
"The beginning was four years ago," Abdur-Rahim said. "...We made a commitment to this university. We made a commitment to these guys sitting next to me man that we were going to show up every day for them."
The Fighting Owls did just that, opening up a double-digit lead on the Musketeers in the second half. Those on the Kennesaw State sideline expected as much, though. None more so than Abdur-Rahim, who let fans know his confidence after KSU went up seven to end the first half.
"I've been telling people to come up I-75 to Kennesaw, Georgia, nothing but heart and toughness up that way" 🦉#MarchMadness @KSUOWLSMBB pic.twitter.com/XusCABVb3e
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 17, 2023
The second half wasn't quite as smooth, particularly during the last 9:57 of the game, during which the Owls hit just two field goals.
Abdur-Rahim and his players were radiant in defeat, however, focusing instead on the way the program has grown during the coach's four-year tenure. The Owls won just one game in Adbur-Rahim's first season, then five, then 13, then 26 this season.
"It takes a special group of people to commit to something and stay to see that vision through," Abdur-Rahim said. "The beginning was four years ago, but you better believe this is our standard, this is our expectation. And we'll be back"