The narratives for the South Carolina Gamecocks men’s and women’s basketball teams couldn’t be more contrasting. While the women’s team has celebrated championship success three times since the turn of the 20th century, thanks to the legendary Dawn Staley, the men’s team has yet to reach a championship game, leaving fans longing for a taste of glory. However, last season brought a flicker of hope.

The South Carolina boys made a mark at the NCAA tournament last season, advancing to the first round after a seven-year dry spell. This impressive comeback came under the leadership of head coach Lamont Paris, who took the reins in 2022. As the Gamecocks prepare for another season filled with promise, fans are buzzing with hope for even greater achievements. But who exactly is Lamont Paris? It’s worth taking a moment to delve into the history of the first African-American coach to guide the Gamecocks men’s program.

A Lifelong Passion: Lamont Paris’s basketball journey from player to coach

At 49 years old, Paris’s roots in basketball run deep, laying the foundation for his future success as a coach. Born on November 11, 1974, in Findlay, Ohio, Lamont Paris has been connected to basketball for much of his life. While most of us recognize him as a coach today, his journey in the sport began during his high school days at Findlay High School, where he first showcased his passion for the game.

That high school career was just the ramp for his blooming love for the game as his connection with the sports only intensified during college. He took his talents to the College of Wooster in Ohio, where he not only showcased his skills on the court but also demonstrated his leadership abilities. Serving as captain in both his junior and senior seasons, his hard work and dedication paid off, as he also earned recognition as a two-time All-North Coast Athletic Conference selection, further cementing his reputation as a standout player.

Well, that was the end of his endeavors as a player as he only returned to the basketball landscape a year later after obtaining his degree in Business Economics from Wooster. This time, he again committed to his alma mater only, but in a different role of an assistant coach. However, he served just a single season and then had short stints with DePauw and Indiana University of Pennsylvania before landing on Keith Dambrot’s staff at Akron, where he stayed for five seasons.

Following his time at Akron, Paris made another significant career move in 2010 by joining Bo Ryan’s coaching staff at Wisconsin. During his tenure there, he contributed to the success of two Sweet 16 teams and played a vital role in the Badgers’ remarkable journey to the Final Four and national championship game in the 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons. Despite these accomplishments, Paris was still waiting for that coveted head coach position that many aspiring coaches dream of. But soon enough, his chance was on the horizon.

It was after 20 years of entering the coaching profession that Paris took the helm as the 20th head coach of the Chattanooga basketball program in 2017. He quickly established himself, leading the Mocs to a remarkable 27–8 record during the 2021–22 season, where they secured both the Southern Conference regular season and tournament titles.

The Mocs made their NCAA Tournament appearance as a 13th seed, facing off against the second-seeded Illinois team from the Big Ten. In a gripping first-round game, Chattanooga narrowly lost 54–53. That’s when Paris’ bold leadership came into the limelight with Gamecocks bidding for his move and waving off their long head coach.

Turning the tide: Lamont Paris’s journey with the Gamecocks

Lamont Paris was brought into the South Carolina office after a decade-long era of Fran Martin at the helm where the team reached the Final Four just once. In 2022, Paris took charge and he himself was excited about the responsibility that had its own challenges. “I am excited to be named the head coach at South Carolina. The opportunity to build on what this program has achieved recently is exciting,” said Paris.

Lamont Paris’s inaugural season with the South Carolina Gamecocks didn’t quite go as planned. The team struggled significantly, finishing with a disappointing record of just 11 wins against 20 losses, a decline from Frank Martin’s final season. However, Paris’s trademark resilience shone through. Refusing to accept defeat, he took it upon himself to regroup the team and instill a sense of determination, aiming to turn the tide and bounce back in the upcoming season.

The Ohio native proved his mettle as a coach, turning around the fortunes of the South Carolina Gamecocks in remarkable fashion. After finishing near the bottom of the Southeastern Conference in his debut season, Paris led the team to a stunning third seed in the standings the following year.

His efforts didn’t go unnoticed; during the 2023-2024 season, he earned the title of SEC Coach of the Year, guiding the Gamecocks to an impressive 13-5 conference record and a solid 26-7 overall record heading into the NCAA tournament. His success also earned him recognition as a finalist for the prestigious 2023-24 Werner Ladder Naismith Men’s College Coach of the Year Award.

Now, the coach gears up for his third season at the helm of the Gamecocks. He knows the road ahead will be anything but easy, especially with the rising competition in the SEC. Yet Paris views this challenge as an opportunity. “I think it’s a favor when you’re put in a position where you have to prove yourself.”

“When you get a ranking that isn’t as high as some guys think, it sets a state for constant validation,” remarked Paris during SEC Tipoff, which hints that he probably has his lads ready to march under reigning SEC Coach of the Year. The team kicks off its campaign against North Florida on November 4th!