South Carolina and Paris want more after their first NCAA Tournament trip in seven years

South Carolina and coach Lamont Paris are aiming for bigger things after the team’s first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2017. The Gamecocks were the surprise of the Southeastern Conference, going from 11 wins in their first season in Paris two years ago to their most win mark this season with 26 a year. South Carolina has plenty of new faces on the roster with three of the four top scorers from last year, including top scorer Meechie Johnson. Forward Collin Murray-Boyles returns after averaging nearly 11 points and six rebounds per game.

With a surprising streak in the Southeastern Conference, South Carolina made its first NCAA Tournament appearance in seven years. Despite the transfer of leading scorer Meechie Johnson, behind sophomore Collin Murray-Boyles, the Gamecocks and coach Lamont Paris are looking to continue making progress in the postseason after a first-round loss a season ago.

Collin Murray-Boyles (sophomore F, 6-8, 10.4 ppg, 5-7 ppm). Murray-Boyles was a freshman who used his tireless style to fuel his team’s 13 wins in SEC play, including victories over ranked opponents in Kentucky and Tennessee.

Cam Scott (freshman G, two-time state Gatorade Player of the Year). Scott was the No. 1 prospect out of South Carolina who originally signed with Texas before being released and choosing the Gamecocks.

Myles Mare (Senior G, 6-6, 8.3 ppg). Stute started 17 games last season and increased that number in his second season with the Gamecocks after transferring from Vanderbilt.

South Carolina lost three of its top four starters from a year ago: Johnson, who transferred to Ohio State, and seniors BJ Mack and Ta’Lon Cooper. Scott is the Gamecocks’ top pickup, although 7-foot-1 Jordan Butler returned to his home state after playing a year at Missouri. Nick Pringle was on Alabama’s Final Four team last season.

South Carolina opens November 4 against North Florida. It plays Indiana on Nov. 16 and hosts in-state rival Clemson on Dec. 17. SEC play begins Jan. 4 at Mississippi State. The next two games are January 8 against Final Four team Alabama and January 8 against defending SEC champion Auburn. 11.

Paris is entering its third year. He received a six-year contract extension until the 2029/30 season. … South Carolina’s NCAA appearance was its first since reaching the Final Four in 2017. … The Gamecocks won a game in the SEC Tournament for the first time since 2018. … Pringle led Alabama in field goal percentage (62.3 percent) and dunks (40) last season. … The Gamecocks went from 11 wins in their debut season in Paris (2022-23) to setting the record for wins in a season (26) last year.

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