Former Wisconsin Badgers star Sam Dekker has been named an assistant coach for the South Carolina Gamecocks.
Dekker, who made his mark on the Badgers men’s basketball program, has been playing oversees for the past few years.
The Houston Rockets’ No. 18 overall draft pick responded to this announcement, “Full circle moment. Basketball truly can write stories in your life that you’d never thought possible.”
In the Gamecocks official post, Dekker said, “I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of Gamecock basketball. I’m so grateful to Coach [Lamont] Paris for trusting me with this role, and I take it very seriously. The decision to transition from player to coach is not one I took lightly, but joining Coach Paris and this program was a dream opportunity.”
“I am thrilled to return to the college game and compete at such a high level in the SEC,” he added. “My 11 years as a pro have provided so many experiences with amazing players, coaches and styles. Some of my best memories as a player were competing in two Final Fours with Coach Paris, and I look forward to doing that with him again. My goal is to win in March and give our players the best opportunity for success on and off the court.”
Dekker, 32, will now work alongside Paris, the Gamecocks’ coach since 2022, who sports a 62-68 record with the program.
“Sam’s unique experiences and skill set will allow him to have a tremendous impact on our players and program immediately,” Paris said. “He is a winner through and through, and I am thrilled to add him to our staff as an assistant coach.”
It’s worth noting Paris was an assistant for the Badgers from 2010-17 before he landed his first head coaching gig at Chattanooga. Also, former Badgers guard and fellow Wisconsin native Tanner Bronson has been assisting Paris since 2017.
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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: South Carolina men’s basketball adds Wisconsin great to coaching staff
Reporting by Jordon Lawrenz, Badgers Wire / Badgers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
