Paris will return for fifth season at helm of Gamecocks basketball program (Updated with statement from USC AD Jeremiah Donati)

The Post and Courier’s David Cloninger has confirmed through the USC athletic department that Lamont Paris will return for a fifth season at the helm of the Gamecocks men’s basketball program. Paris’ contract will pay him $4.25 million next season.

Through four seasons, Paris has compiled a record of 62-68 (.477), with 26 of those wins coming in 2024. The 2024 NCAA Tournament appearance represents the high-water mark under Paris, so far, with each of the other three seasons resulting in sub-.500 records.  

After guiding the Gamecocks to a 13-5 conference record in 2024, Paris was named the SEC Coach of the Year. USC was unable to capitalize on the momentum, however, suffering through regular season records of 12-20 (2-16) in 2024-25 and 13-18 (4-14) in 2025-26. South Carolina will open SEC Tournament play against Oklahoma in Nashville at 9:30 p.m., Wednesday. 

Late Tuesday afternoon, USC athletics director Jeremiah Donati released a statement explaining the decision to retain Lamont Paris and his expectations for the future.