Change is coming for South Carolina MBB roster. How much shakeup will there be?

Change Is Coming for South Carolina MBB Roster: How Much Shakeup Will There Be?

The South Carolina Gamecocks men’s basketball program is entering a critical period of change, as head coach Lamont Paris prepares to reshape his roster ahead of the 2025 season. After a mixed 2024-2025 campaign that showed flashes of promise but was ultimately marred by inconsistency, the Gamecocks are looking to make significant improvements. As South Carolina continues to build towards long-term success, the roster shakeup expected to take place could be substantial, with several factors influencing the extent of the changes to come.

Roster turnover in college basketball is a constant, and the Gamecocks are no different in that regard. With the advent of the NCAA transfer portal, changing teams and player movement has become a fundamental aspect of college basketball in recent years. As the Gamecocks look to recruit new talent and build on what they’ve already established under Lamont Paris, the roster shakeup is expected to be a central theme of the offseason.

In this article, we will explore the various factors contributing to the changes in the South Carolina men’s basketball roster, including the impact of recruiting, the influence of the transfer portal, potential departures, and key additions. We will also look at how these changes could affect the program’s trajectory, expectations for the upcoming season, and the long-term vision for South Carolina basketball under Paris.

The State of South Carolina Men’s Basketball: A Year of Mixed Results

The 2024-2025 season was a year of both challenges and progress for the South Carolina Gamecocks men’s basketball program. After the departure of Frank Martin in 2022, Lamont Paris took over as head coach with the goal of revitalizing a program that had struggled in recent years. Paris inherited a team in need of a rebuild, with a roster that lacked both depth and the level of talent needed to consistently compete in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

In his first season as head coach, Paris had the difficult task of navigating a roster that was not fully aligned with his system. While the Gamecocks showed signs of improvement, their performance was often inconsistent, as they struggled with scoring, defensive lapses, and the lack of a go-to player to lead the team. Despite some promising individual performances, the Gamecocks finished the season near the bottom of the SEC standings.

However, there were also bright spots. Paris began to implement his philosophy of tough, hard-nosed defense, and several players developed throughout the season. Additionally, the Gamecocks showed an ability to compete against top-tier teams in the conference and displayed resilience in close games. While the overall season record may not have reflected the progress South Carolina hoped for, the foundation was being laid for a more successful future.

With the 2025-2026 season on the horizon, it’s clear that a more aggressive approach will be needed to accelerate the program’s growth. That means significant changes to the roster, which is expected to experience some shakeup as Paris looks to strengthen the team and add the necessary talent to make the Gamecocks a consistent contender in the SEC.

The Role of Recruiting: Building a Foundation for Success

Recruiting has always been one of the most important aspects of any successful college basketball program, and it is no different for South Carolina under Lamont Paris. The Gamecocks will need to focus heavily on recruiting in order to bolster the roster with both high-quality freshmen and experienced players who can contribute immediately.

South Carolina has had success in recruiting in the past, but Paris and his staff will need to ramp up their efforts in order to land more top-tier talent to take the program to the next level. In particular, Paris will be looking to secure players who can immediately make an impact and fill the gaps in areas such as scoring, ball handling, and overall leadership on the floor.

In the 2025 recruiting cycle, the Gamecocks are focusing on building a team that can compete in the SEC. This means targeting skilled forwards, dynamic guards, and versatile players who can contribute on both ends of the floor. With the conference becoming increasingly competitive, South Carolina will need to bring in talent that can both contribute to and elevate the team’s level of play.

While the recruiting process is ongoing, the Gamecocks are also likely to focus on securing a few key transfers. The transfer portal has become an essential tool for teams looking to fill immediate needs, and Paris will be looking for players who can step into the rotation and contribute right away. Whether it’s a talented guard to help facilitate the offense, a skilled big man to provide more inside presence, or a versatile forward to complement the existing roster, the transfer portal will be a vital resource for South Carolina as they look to make roster adjustments.

The Impact of the Transfer Portal: A Double-Edged Sword

One of the most significant elements of college basketball in recent years has been the rise of the NCAA transfer portal. The portal has given players more freedom to transfer between schools without the penalty of sitting out a season, leading to a wave of player movement across the country. For South Carolina, the transfer portal represents both an opportunity and a challenge.

On one hand, the transfer portal gives Lamont Paris the chance to bring in experienced players who can help immediately. Many programs, including South Carolina, have turned to the portal to fill critical needs and bolster their depth. With the Gamecocks’ roster likely to undergo some turnover, the portal is an essential tool for adding players who can contribute in key areas. Whether it’s bringing in a shooter, a playmaker, or a reliable rebounder, the Gamecocks will need to be strategic about their portal additions in order to maximize their impact for the 2025-2026 season.

On the other hand, the transfer portal also comes with the challenge of potential departures. South Carolina’s roster could experience significant turnover as some players decide to enter the portal themselves in search of new opportunities. While the portal can be an effective way to bring in new talent, it can also disrupt team chemistry and lead to the loss of key contributors who may feel that their playing time is threatened by new arrivals.

While Lamont Paris has shown a commitment to developing players within the system, the reality of the transfer portal means that some players may choose to leave in search of more playing time or a better fit at another program. As a result, there could be several departures from the Gamecocks’ roster in the coming months, and Paris will need to navigate this uncertainty while continuing to build the team.

Key Departures: Who Could Leave?

While it’s difficult to predict exactly who will leave South Carolina’s roster, there are several players whose futures with the program could be in question. Several key contributors from the 2024-2025 season are potential candidates to enter the transfer portal, especially if they feel that they won’t receive the playing time or opportunity they desire in the coming season.

Players who may have started last season or played significant minutes could be candidates to leave, especially if they feel that the team’s direction under Paris may not align with their personal goals. This could include upperclassmen who have already experienced several years in the program and are looking for a fresh start elsewhere.

Additionally, younger players who may have struggled for playing time during the 2024-2025 season could also look to transfer in search of more opportunities. The Gamecocks’ recruiting class, combined with new transfer additions, could create competition for minutes, potentially leading to some players seeking out new programs.

The loss of key players would undoubtedly impact the Gamecocks’ depth, but it could also open up opportunities for younger players to step up and contribute. It’s crucial that Paris and his staff are proactive in monitoring the transfer portal to minimize any negative impact on the team’s cohesion and success.

Key Additions: Who Could Join the Gamecocks?

As South Carolina’s roster undergoes changes, Paris will be looking to add players who can make an immediate impact. With several key positions to fill, the Gamecocks will likely target transfers and incoming freshmen who can provide immediate contributions. Some of the areas where South Carolina will be looking for reinforcements include:

• Point Guard Play: A reliable point guard who can facilitate the offense and create opportunities for teammates will be critical for the Gamecocks. This player will need to be able to handle pressure, run the offense efficiently, and make plays for others.
• Shooting Guard/Scorer: South Carolina needs a consistent scorer who can provide an outside shooting threat and stretch defenses. A dynamic shooting guard who can create their own shot and hit from the perimeter would significantly improve the Gamecocks’ offensive balance.
• Inside Presence: South Carolina has a history of success with strong post players, and adding a skilled big man who can rebound, block shots, and provide scoring in the paint will be crucial. The Gamecocks will need someone who can dominate the paint and give them a solid inside presence on both ends of the floor.

The success of South Carolina’s recruiting efforts, including their ability to tap into the transfer portal, will be critical in determining how competitive the Gamecocks will be in the upcoming season.

What to Expect for the 2025-2026 Season

Despite the changes, the Gamecocks’ long-term goals remain clear: they want to build a sustainable, competitive program in the SEC that can challenge for conference titles and NCAA Tournament appearances. While the shakeup in the roster will be significant, it is also an opportunity to turn the page and build a team that can better align with Lamont Paris’ coaching philosophy and vision for success.

For South Carolina, the 2025-2026 season will be an important one, as the program looks to bounce back and build momentum for the future. With new additions, potential departures, and a renewed sense of focus, the Gamecocks have the opportunity to chart a new course and make significant strides toward returning to national prominence. While the roster shakeup may be unsettling in the short term, it could prove to be a necessary step in South Carolina’s journey to becoming a powerhouse in college basketball once again.