South Carolina will bring back men’s basketball coach Lamont Paris for next season, a South Carolina athletics source confirmed with The State on Tuesday.
The decision comes despite another challenging season for the Gamecocks, marked by significant losses to conference opponents, including a 47-point defeat at home against Florida. USC (13-18, 4-14 SEC) concluded its regular season with a win at Ole Miss and will compete in the SEC Tournament.
The Buyout Factor and Coaching Salaries
A potential separation from Paris would have carried a substantial financial burden, exceeding $12 million based on his contract. Currently earning $4 million annually, Paris’ salary, while recently increased to $4.25 million for the upcoming season, remains below the average for SEC coaches.
A Tale of Two Seasons: From Success to Struggle
Paris experienced a dramatic shift in fortunes following a successful 2024 season, which saw the Gamecocks achieve 26 wins and an NCAA Tournament berth. Subsequent seasons have been marked by setbacks, including a last-place finish in the SEC last year and struggles with rebounding, three-point shooting and overall team performance this year.
The NIL Challenge and Roster Construction
The Gamecocks have faced challenges in attracting and retaining talent through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. While NIL resources have increased, it remains unclear if they are sufficient to compete with other SEC programs. Despite bringing back star Meechie Johnson, the team struggled to build a competitive roster, particularly in the transfer portal.
South Carolina did not secure a point guard through the transfer portal and experienced difficulties integrating its three big men transfers.
Looking Ahead: The Path to Improvement
Despite the current challenges, the decision to retain Paris suggests a belief in his potential to turn the program around. A larger NIL budget and improved roster construction will be crucial for future success.
This story was originally published March 10, 2026 at 9:43 AM.
