Steve Smith has officially joined the staff of the South Carolina Gamecocks basketball program, taking a position under head coach Lamont Paris as the team looks to reshape its roster for the upcoming season.
The hire comes after a lengthy career that saw Smith serve as an assistant at Clemson from 2012 to 2019 under Brad Brownell, followed by a stint at Boston College where he reunited with former player Earl Grant before moving to Florida State under Leonard Hamilton, a period highlighted by a 2019‑20 Atlantic Coast Conference regular‑season championship.
During his time at Florida State, Smith was part of a wiretap that captured discussions about recruiting Zion Williamson, a conversation that attracted national attention but did not lead to any charges against him, allowing him to continue his coaching trajectory without formal penalty.
His deep roots in the Southeast, especially in South Carolina, are expected to strengthen the Gamecocks' recruiting pipeline, while his experience at both Clemson and Florida State provides a unique perspective that complements Paris' vision for the program.
A strategic addition amid staff overhaul
The Gamecocks' front office has announced a series of new appointments, and Smith's arrival is positioned as part of a broader effort to inject continuity and regional expertise into the program, a move that aligns with the university's push to compete more aggressively in the ACC.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching how Smith's background translates into on‑court results, especially as the team integrates fresh talent and aims to climb the conference standings under Paris' leadership.