South Carolina Gamecocks coach Lamont Paris has long emphasized the importance of having multiple playmakers on the floor, a philosophy that shapes the roster construction for the upcoming 2026‑27 season. Rather than relying on a single floor general, Paris prefers to keep two capable ball handlers simultaneously, allowing the team to adjust tempo, create mismatches and maintain offensive fluidity.
A Dual‑Threat Backcourt
The primary architects of that vision are Kory Mincy and Marcus Johnson. Mincy arrives as a seasoned veteran who has logged 99 collegiate appearances, averaging 11.8 points, 2.8 assists and 2.6 rebounds per game over three years. He navigated much of last season while playing through a thumb injury that ultimately required surgery, demonstrating resilience and a willingness to shoulder responsibility despite physical setbacks.
Marcus Johnson, a freshman and cousin of former Gamecocks point guard Meechie Johnson, brings a high‑school pedigree that includes back‑to‑back Mr. Basketball honors in Ohio and a career tally of 2,364 points. His arrival adds a fresh, dynamic dimension to the backcourt, and Paris believes the youngster is ready to assume a significant share of playmaking duties.
Beyond the two starters, the roster features additional guards who can operate as secondary distributors. Davion Hannah and Shane Blakeney have both shown the ability to handle the ball effectively, providing depth that allows Paris to experiment with lineups and keep opponents guessing. This multiplicity of competent handlers aligns with the coach’s broader objective of maintaining offensive versatility throughout the season.
Paris has repeatedly expressed confidence that both Mincy and Johnson are prepared to exercise control over the team’s tempo and decision‑making when called upon. He notes that the combination of Mincy’s experience and Johnson’s fresh energy, supplemented by the versatility of Hannah and Blakeney, creates a backcourt capable of adapting to a range of game situations. The coach’s outlook suggests that the Gamecocks will enter the new season with a balanced, multi‑dimensional approach to ball handling.