Lamont Paris takes over Gamecocks after leading Chattanooga
![](https://abc17news.b-cdn.net/abc17news.com/2021/06/kmiz.jpg)
By PETE IACOBELLI
AP Sports Writer
South Carolina has hired Chattanooga’s Lamont Paris as its men’s basketball coach. The school’s board of trustees on Thursday approved a five-year deal that will pay Paris $12 million through March 2027. Paris takes over for Frank Martin, who was fired after 10 seasons earlier this month. Paris led Chattanooga to a 27-8 record and the Southern Conference regular-season and tournament titles. The Mocs fell to fourth-seeded Illinois 54-53 in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament.