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.
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.
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