Lamont Paris was officially introduced as the next head men’s basketball coach at the University of South Carolina during a press conference at Colonial Life Arena on Thursday.
Athletic Director Ray Tanner presented the 33rd coach in program history and applauded how he developed programs while he was at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
“I’m extremely grateful," Paris continued. "I’m grateful to be here. I’m grateful to be the coach of this institution and to be the face of this program as we move forward, and I can’t say that enough and how excited I am about that."
Following an emotional moment where Paris thanked his late parents for their influence, the head coach explained the depth of his commitment to his profession of choice.
“This is fun for me — it’s hard work. I commit a lot of time, a lot of effort to this profession, to anyone I work with, to any university I represent, to any young man that I recruit and his family, to any, certainly, any student-athlete that decides to come here and play for me,” Paris said.
Paris outlined his objectives for his tenure at South Carolina and said he intends on embracing the past while building for the future to establish his philosophy with the Gamecocks.
The 47-year-old also said engaging with the community and enhancing the experience of his players as areas where he will focus his energy.
“I’m going to dive into engaging this community," Paris said. “And you’ll know that, more so than me saying it or telling it, you’ll feel that and you’ll see it.”
He said his perspective as a first-generation college student led to his emphasis on the development of his players personally, academically and athletically.
“One of the biggest things for me is enhancing the student-athlete experience. It’s why I do what I do,” Paris said.
Paris also acknowledged the history made with his hire as he became the first Black coach in program history.
“I’m honored to be the first African American men’s basketball coach here. I take that responsibility seriously,” Paris said.
Paris said he considers building relationships with the players on his roster as another ever-present responsibility.
“I think you’re constantly learning how to communicate with and relate to these players on a daily basis," Paris explained. "I think if you’re not doing that, you’re going backwards because they’re constantly changing.”
Paris said roster depth is a way to develop consistency, longevity and to reproduce a consistent level of performance throughout the season.
Paris made a point to highlight postseason play as a consistent objective for his teams, noting that it is a vital part of enhancing the student-athlete experience.
“My whole deal is preparing to win in the NCAA tournament. One, how do you get there. Two, when you get there, how do you win,” Paris said.