Lamont Paris excited to have first player drafted as head coach

Not everything went well for South Carolina in Lamont Paris’ first season as head coach as the Gamecocks finished at 11-21. However, at least one success did come from it as GG Jackson, their five-star freshman and leading scorer, made it to the pros as the No. 45 pick by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2023 NBA Draft.

During Jackson’s draft party, Paris spoke with the media about what it meant for his program as well as his pupil. He said it was exciting considering what it says about what he was able to help Jackson accomplish at his age.

“I get really excited about helping these guys. I was their age at one point. Everybody was,” Paris said. “Somebody helped me when I was their age. You don’t even recognize it. GG doesn’t fully recognize it right now. I just get excited about that.”

Jackson averaged 15.4 points and 5.9 rebounds per game in his lone collegiate season. He was able to make the All-SEC Freshman Team by the end of the campaign.

He did so as one of the youngest players in college basketball as a 17, and now 18, year old. That’s because, after originally committing to North Carolina, Jackson decommitted from the Tar Heels, reclassified to the 2022 class from 2023, and committed to play for Paris in Columbia.

Jackson arrived at his home state’s school as the highest-rated recruit in program history and one of only two five-star talents in recent memory. He was ranked as the No. 8 player overall in On3’s Industry Rankings as well as the No. 2 PF in the class and the No. 1 player out of South Carolina.

In the end, Jackson became the school’s third NBA selection since the turn of the century and first since Sindarius Thornwell went 48th overall in 2017.

Again, things weren’t always smooth sailing for Paris, Jackson, or the Gamecocks last season. Still, considering he achieved his dream at his young age, Jackson’s success is something that Paris and South Carolina’s program will want to hang their hats on moving forward.

Jackson apologizes for behavior toward coaches, teammates at South Carolina

GG Jackson‘s time at South Carolina most likely did not go as planned. After reclassifying and heading to college early, there were inconsistencies with his game throughout the season. The Gamecocks were not very good either, finishing 10 games below .500 and 4-14 in SEC play. A tough year all around in Columbia.

There were some off-the-court issues with Jackson as well. Tensions may have boiled over at certain parts of the season, with both South Carolina coaches and teammates. Jackson even publically called out the coaching staff before later apologizing.

Before being drafted on Thursday night, Jackson doubled down on his apology. While he will be heading to Memphis, South Carolina is going to follow him no matter where he goes. Last season may have been tough but Jackson will always be a Gamecock.

“I want to apologize again — I don’t know how much I can stress that — for, how at times, I looked,” Jackson said. “How at times I acted toward the coaches and even my teammates. I want people to know that is not me. That’s big-headed GG. I’m little-headed GG right now.

“Thank you for your support and everything. Don’t stop supporting me, no matter what pick it is. Because I am bringing South Carolina on my back, no matter where I go.”