If basketball programs were books, the next chapter of the Gamecocks under head coach Lamont Paris would read: "Recruiting, Identity, Culture, Output." The name Eli Ellis is the headline, but he is just part of a broader narrative for the Gamecocks.
Paris has publicly emphasized for years that he is building a program on character, process, and competition. When he took the helm of the South Carolina men's basketball program, he said, “Some guys are going to get a chance to know me and they’re going to say, whoa, this is a fresh start. I think I could really thrive in this guy’s system or with the way that he’s going to teach me and coach me and respond to me, so I’m looking forward to having those conversations and figuring that out. What I won’t do is I won’t try to strong arm a young man into staying here if it’s not the best thing for him. I won’t do it.”
In Novembet 2024, Paris secured his first Top-20 signing class at South Carolina, led by Eli Ellis among four signees.
The Strategy
- Lock in talent early. By targeting and recruiting players like Ellis, Paris sends a signal that they are ready to compete for top-100 prospects.
- Emphasize culture over flash. Paris' past players have described the head coach as someone who cares about the player and person. “I was looking to play for a coach that believed in me on and off the court and was going to allow me to play to my fullest potential and that’s what Coach Paris did. I probably wouldn’t be in the NBA now if it weren’t for him,” said Ryan, who recently played for the New York Knicks organization.
- Use momentum to build brand. With players like Ellis, the presence of the NIL, and social energy, it all meshes into a modern recruit-friendly environment.
- Create sustainable depth. Instead of one-and-done stars, Paris has talked about systems, development, and competition. In a media interview last year, Paris said, "I think they recognize that what they've done is pretty special. You know, it's the most regular season wins in school history, and I think they know that they've done some special things, but they're not satisfied with that. They want to continue to make this ride last as long as they possibly can. So there's a lot of motivation to continue to move forward and play well and play together..."
In the portal era, culture is currency. Players still tend to stay with a program when they believe in the system and leadership. Programs that build cohesive rosters, not just star pick-ups, will last. Signing elite classes do spark hope, however. And if the follow-through occurs, investment grows. And every commitment like Ellis sends ripples to family, friends, teammates-- all pipeline prospects. That is how the future begins, and that is what Paris has been building in Columbia.
There are high expectations, of course, especially with a Top-20 signing class. Results must follow otherwise the optics shift. Lamont Paris isn't just simply recruiting bodies, he is recruiting identity for South Carolina. With players like Ellis at the forefront, the Gamecocks have a chance to reshape their basketball story.