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College Basketball World Reacts To South Carolina Hiring Basketball Coach Lamont Paris

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Frank Martin and the South Carolina Gamecocks parted ways earlier this offseason following 10 seasons together in Columbia.

Martin was one of the best coaches in the school’s history after taking over possibly the worst Power Five program in the nation. He led the Gamecocks to their only Final Four appearance in the 2016-17 season, but unfortunately wasn’t able to capitalize on that NCAA Tournament run.

South Carolina landed just one invite to the Big Dance over Martin’s 10 seasons, and while that Final Four run was historic, the inconsistency wasn’t enough to secure his job.

With Martin out, the Gamecocks had opened up their first coaching search in a decade. On Wednesday, they officially ended that search.

Lamont Paris has been hired to be the next head coach in Columbia.

He’s signed a five-year deal with a $2.2 million starting salary.

The Gamecocks had been linked to a few other head coaches throughout their search, including Sean Miller and Mike Boynton. But when the dust settled, it was Paris that landed the gig.

South Carolina gets a coach that’s fresh off a NCAA Tournament appearance with UT Chattanooga. The Mocs nearly took down Illinois in the first round but eventually fell 54-53. The Illini took their final lead on free throws with just 12 seconds remaining in the game.

Now, Paris gets his chance at the Power Five level. He’ll join an SEC that some have called the nation’s best conference from top to bottom.

With the news breaking, many on social media are giving immediate reactions. Take a look below.