Lamont Paris had good things to say about his South Carolina basketball team

On Monday, South Carolina basketball coach Lamont Paris held his first press conference of the summer, and the head Gamecock had some good things to say about his team (and quarter-zips).

Paris complimented his team's chemistry, a notable thing considering the amount of turnover on the roster (three transfer portal additions, two new freshmen, two redshirts now active, and two new walk-ons). He also said the team has had a great attitude this summer.

An emphasis of the offseason, according to the Gamecock head coach, was to have experienced veterans again, just like last season. Carolina lost BJ Mack, Ta'Lon Cooper, Josh Gray, Meechie Johnson, Ebrima Dibba, and Stephen Clark as older players off of last year's roster, but they brought in experienced pieces like center Nick Pringle (Alabama Crimson Tide) and Jamarii Thomas (Norfolk State Spartans) from the transfer portal and retained four players from last year's team who are in, at least, their third year of college ball.

Paris said that there was a difference between last offseason and this one from a personnel addition standpoint. Last year, the team needed as much talent as possible. He said things weren't nearly so dire this year so that the Gamecocks, in their pursuit of talented players, could look to fill specific roles like the team's lack of athleticism and size in the post and finding a replacement for lead guards Ta'Lon Cooper and Meechie Johnson.

Coach Paris specifically mentioned that Arden Conyers and Cam Scott as young, inexperienced players who have impressed the staff in summer workouts. He mentioned both players' length, athleticism, and shot-making ability as traits that could allow the two wings to make the Gamecocks a better team this season. Austin Herro earned some commendation for his coach, as well. He mentioned both Scott and Herro as players who could fill in in spurts at point guard some behind veterans Jamarii Thomas and Jacobi Wright and second-year player Morris Ugusuk.

He also said sophomore power forward Collin Murray-Boyles is at an "optimal" place physically, applauding the young man's strength, explosiveness, and body composition. CMB needs to be more aggressive, according to Paris, and he is still working on making his jump shot more consistent, but he is optimistic things will fall into line.

7'0" Sophomore transfer Jordan Butler is "dripping with potential" and is a perfect fit for Coach Paris' offensive system as a player who can shoot from the outside and operate in the paint, as well.

Paris mentioned that senior transfer Nick Pringle has taken on a bit of a vocal leadership role and that his high-energy personality helps him in that regard.

You can watch the entire press conference below.