Rising Star in College Hoops: A Look at South Carolina Basketball Coach Lamont Paris
South Carolina basketball has been on a journey to reclaim national relevance, and at the center of that resurgence is head coach Lamont Paris. A respected name in the coaching world, Paris is steadily shaping the Gamecocks into a formidable force in college basketball. But who is Lamont Paris, and what makes him the right man for the job in Columbia? Let’s take a closer look at his journey and impact.
From Assistant to Head Coach: Paris’ Coaching Journey
Before taking the helm at South Carolina, Lamont Paris built an impressive coaching résumé. He spent time as an assistant at DePauw, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Akron, and Wisconsin. His most notable assistant coaching stint came under Bo Ryan and Greg Gard at Wisconsin, where he helped develop a culture of defensive intensity and disciplined play that led to sustained success.
Paris got his first head coaching opportunity at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 2017. While his first couple of seasons were a rebuilding process, he quickly turned the Mocs into a Southern Conference powerhouse. In the 2021-22 season, Paris led Chattanooga to an NCAA Tournament appearance, proving his ability to develop players and build a winning program.
Building a New Era at South Carolina
South Carolina hired Paris in 2022 with the goal of revitalizing its basketball program. The Gamecocks had struggled to find consistency since their stunning Final Four run in 2017, and Paris was brought in to instill a new culture based on discipline, player development, and defensive toughness.
In his first seasons at the helm, Paris has already shown flashes of his vision for the team. While the rebuild is ongoing, South Carolina has demonstrated a more structured approach, focusing on team chemistry and fundamentals. Recruiting has also seen an uptick, with Paris bringing in players who fit his system and philosophy.
Coaching Philosophy and Impact
Paris is known for his calm demeanor on the sidelines, but his teams reflect a tough, disciplined style of play. His defensive-minded approach, combined with an emphasis on ball movement and efficient shot selection, mirrors the principles he helped implement at Wisconsin.
Another strength of Paris is his ability to develop talent. His track record at Chattanooga showed his knack for identifying underrated players and molding them into high-impact contributors. If he can replicate that success at South Carolina, the Gamecocks could be in for a steady rise in the SEC standings.
What’s Next for Paris and the Gamecocks?
The road ahead for South Carolina basketball is still a challenging one, as the SEC continues to be one of the most competitive conferences in college basketball. However, with Paris at the helm, there’s optimism that the Gamecocks are headed in the right direction. His commitment to player development, disciplined play, and smart recruiting could position South Carolina as a consistent contender in the years to come.
For now, South Carolina fans can watch with excitement as Paris continues to build his vision for the program. If history is any indication, the Gamecocks might soon be a force to be reckoned with in the SEC.
