Gamecocks in historic year two under Paris

The one truth heading into this college basketball season for South Carolina men's team was expectations were low, at least nationally.

Coming off an 11-21 season, excitement could best been described as tepid for second year coach Lamont Paris. Hell, the Gamecocks were picked to finish dead last in the league in preseason media polls. 

But behind some key transfer additions, as well as an influx of freshmen talent, the Gamecocks are sitting at 21-3 and tied for first in the Southeastern Conference with seven games left. 

Already, this is the best second year improvement under a new coach in program history.

Better than Frank Martin, who had back-to-back 14-win seasons; better than Eddie Fogler, who went from nine wins to 10; better than George Felton, who went from 15 wins to 19; better than Frank McGuire, who went from six to 11 from 1964-1966. 

For context,
previous coaches Darrin Horn, Dave Odom, Steve Newton and Bill Foster all had second-year setbacks in win totals.  

So regardless how the rest of the season shakes out, Paris has earned not only the support of fans, but also a raise and contract extension. 

Currently, Paris is the lowest paid coach in the SEC, making $2.3 million this year. The deal currently runs through 2027, with $100,000 raises each year.

No question, athletics director Ray Tanner will have to fend off programs with such a low price point in play for Paris. No one will argue putting Paris in the same bracket as Kentucky's John Calipari's $8 million salary, but I do think a million-dollar raise and an extended contract is the smart play.

And while the bulk of success for this year's team can be chalked up greatly to the influx of transfers, namely guard Ta'Lon Cooper and forward BJ Mack, that is a reality fans need to get used to with the current transfer portal. 

Success goes year-to-year now, and hinges greatly on roster retention and navigating the portal. Something Paris did in the offseason, and will likely do in the upcoming offseason.

He's also shown the ability to recruit the high school ranks, with guards Zach Davis and Morris Ugusuk, and forward Collin Murray-Boyles pillars to build the program around.

Creating a winning program costs money, and right now, Paris is the smart investment for Gamecock basketball.