A New Chapter for the Gamecocks
Sam Dekker, a former Wisconsin Badger who helped lead Sheboygan Lutheran to a state title before starring at the University of Wisconsin, announced his return to college basketball as an assistant coach at the University of South Carolina.
His hiring reunites him with head coach Lamont Paris, who served as an assistant at Wisconsin during Dekker’s collegiate years and shares a history that includes back‑to‑back Final Four appearances and a national championship game loss.
Dekker, who credits his father’s influence as a coach and teacher for sparking his own coaching ambitions, expressed enthusiasm about bringing his playing mentality to help shape young players and continue the program’s upward trajectory.
Tanner Bronson, another former Badger guard who has been on the South Carolina staff since 2022, will continue to support the team’s development alongside Dekker.
The move marks the end of Dekker’s playing career, which included professional stints overseas, and signals a new focus on mentorship and program building within the Gamecocks’ roster.
Athletic director Damon Evans highlighted the hire as a strategic addition that blends championship experience with fresh energy, reinforcing the program’s commitment to competing at the highest level in the SEC.