Lamont Paris evaluates South Carolina’s revamped roster for the upcoming season…

Lamont Paris evaluates South Carolina’s revamped roster for the upcoming season…

**Lamont Paris Evaluates South Carolina’s Revamped Roster Ahead of the 2025 Season**

Columbia, SC — As the leaves begin to turn and the anticipation for college basketball heightens, South Carolina’s head coach Lamont Paris finds himself amidst a whirlwind of strategic evaluations and roster assessments. With the 2024 season just around the corner, Paris is meticulously analyzing the newly assembled team, aiming to mold a cohesive unit capable of competing at the highest levels in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and beyond.

**A Roster in Transition**

The Gamecocks have undergone significant roster changes since the conclusion of the 2025 season. After a year marked by ups and downs, including a postseason appearance that fell short of expectations, South Carolina set out to revamp its roster to better align with Paris’s vision of high-intensity, disciplined basketball.

The offseason saw the team welcome a mix of seasoned transfers, promising freshmen, and returnees eager to leave their mark. Notably, the transfer portal played a pivotal role, with Paris securing experienced players who could add immediate impact and leadership. Among the notable newcomers are guard Avery Brown from UCLA and forward Jalen Slawson from Furman, both of whom bring versatility and scoring ability to the squad.

Meanwhile, the team also saw the departure of key contributors from last year’s roster, including leading scorer Meechie Johnson Jr., who transferred to Oklahoma, and versatile forward Jacobi Wright, who decided to pursue professional opportunities overseas. These departures created openings that Paris and his staff aimed to fill with a blend of youth and experience.

**Assessing the Strengths and Gaps**

Lamont Paris, entering his second full season as head coach, is known for his emphasis on disciplined defense, smart ball movement, and player development. His evaluation of the revamped roster underscores both optimism and acknowledgment of areas requiring improvement.

*Defense and Physicality:*
One of Paris’s hallmark philosophies is tough, disciplined defense. The new roster reflects this focus, with several incoming players possessing strong defensive credentials. Avery Brown, for example, averaged over a steal per game at UCLA, showcasing his defensive tenacity. Paris believes that with proper coaching, these players can elevate South Carolina’s defensive efficiency, which had room for growth last season.

*Offensive Dynamics:*
On the offensive end, the team aims to diversify its scoring options. The addition of shooters like freshman guard Ron Holland and transfer Jalen Slawson provides depth beyond last year’s leading scorers. Paris is particularly interested in developing a more fluid, unpredictable offense that can adapt to different opponents.

*Leadership and Experience:*
While the roster has added experienced players, Paris recognizes the importance of leadership on and off the court. Returning players such as guard Meechie Johnson Jr. and forward Nick Honor are expected to step into leadership roles, guiding the younger talents through the rigors of SEC competition.

*Gaps and Challenges:*
Despite the promising additions, Paris is candid about the challenges ahead. The team remains relatively inexperienced in some key positions, particularly at the point guard spot. Developing chemistry among new and returning players will be critical. Additionally, adjusting to the physicality of SEC opponents requires focus and resilience.

**Evaluating Individual Players**

Coach Paris has been meticulous in assessing individual talents and potential contributions.

– *Avery Brown:* As a transfer from UCLA, Brown brings a proven scoring ability and defensive prowess. His experience in high-level Pac-12 competition is expected to translate well in the SEC. Paris sees him as a potential floor leader who can orchestrate the offense and stabilize the backcourt.

– *Jalen Slawson:* The Furman transfer offers versatility as a forward capable of defending multiple positions and knocking down perimeter shots. His basketball IQ and work ethic make him an integral part of Paris’s plans.

– *Ron Holland:* The highly touted freshman guard is viewed as a dynamic scorer with potential to develop into a primary offensive option. Paris emphasizes patience with freshmen, focusing on integrating Holland into the team’s defensive schemes and offensive sets.

– *Returning players:* Nick Honor and Meechie Johnson Jr. provide veteran stability. Paris is emphasizing their roles as anchors on both ends of the floor, helping younger players adapt.

**Style of Play and Strategic Outlook**

Lamont Paris’s coaching style emphasizes a disciplined, defense-first approach combined with efficient, deliberate offense. The revamped roster is expected to reflect these principles, with an emphasis on transition defense, ball security, and high-percentage shots.

In preseason practices, Paris has been stressing the importance of communication, positioning, and executing game plans. He has also been experimenting with lineups to find the optimal combinations of experienced and youthful players.

**The Road Ahead: SEC Competition and Beyond**

The SEC remains one of the toughest leagues in NCAA Division I basketball, featuring powerhouse programs like Alabama, Kentucky, and Tennessee. For South Carolina, the challenge is not only to compete but to establish itself as a contender.

Paris’s evaluation of the roster suggests confidence in the team’s potential but also a recognition that execution and cohesion will determine success. The team’s ability to defend at a high level, execute offensively, and develop chemistry quickly will be crucial.

The non-conference schedule is set to test the Gamecocks early in the season, with matchups against high-profile opponents designed to prepare them for SEC play. The coaching staff is focused on building resilience, particularly in close games, which were a hurdle last season.

**Player Development and Expectations**

One of Paris’s core philosophies is player development. He aims to maximize each player’s strengths while fostering growth in areas of weakness. This approach is especially important given the influx of new players who need to adapt to college-level competition and the team’s system.

Expectations for South Carolina’s 2024 season are cautiously optimistic. The coaching staff and players are aligned in their goals: to improve upon last year’s performance, make a significant impact in the SEC standings, and advance further in postseason tournaments.

**Community and Fan Engagement**

The resurgence of South Carolina basketball has been a focal point for the school and local community. Fans are eager to see how the revamped roster performs and whether the team can recapture the excitement of past seasons.

Paris has emphasized transparency and connection with fans, often speaking about building a culture of accountability and hard work. The team has been engaging with the community through open practices and outreach programs, fostering a sense of unity and enthusiasm.

**Conclusion: A Season of Possibilities**

As Lamont Paris continues to evaluate and refine his roster, one thing is clear: South Carolina basketball is entering an intriguing new chapter. The combination of experienced transfers, promising freshmen, and returning veterans offers a foundation upon which to build a competitive, resilient team.

While challenges remain, Paris’s strategic assessment and leadership are poised to guide the Gamecocks through a season filled with potential. The upcoming months will reveal how well this revamped roster can execute Paris’s vision and whether they can rise to the heights expected of them.

For fans, players, and staff alike, the 2025 season promises excitement, growth, and the pursuit of excellence — a testament to the enduring spirit of South Carolina basketball.