What Lamont Paris, South Carolina players said on Wednesday ahead of NCAA Tournament
Prior to their first practice in Pittsburgh for the NCAA Tournament, three South Carolina players, as well as head coach Lamont Paris, met with the media.
Below are some some of the talking points from each, starting with the student-athletes.
The (6)Gamecocks will play their first game of the NCAA Tournament on Thursday against (11)Oregon at 4 p.m. ET on TNT. Be sure to tune into the GC Live postgame shows that GamecockCentral will be airing live from Pittsburgh immediately after every NCAA Tournament game.
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Meechie Johnson, BJ Mack, Ta’Lon Cooper
– Cooper believes he’s grown over the course of his college career as a leader, not just as a point guard but off the court as well
– Meechie calls it a blessing to be here, especially being so close to home for him growing up in Ohio.
– Mack says the biggest thing that stood out about his recruiting process that made him believe in Lamont Paris’ vision was his honesty. Says that’s been a key reason why they’ve been so successful this season is because Paris is always honest with them.
– Cooper recalled his Tournament experience being much different a few years ago when he was at Minnesota because it was still during the COVID-19 protocol period. Excited to play in front of a crowd because he feeds off of it.
– Cooper on Jermaine Couisnard: he gets to his spots and he gets in a rhythm… taking that away from him is what the goal will be tomorrow.
– Mecchie says guy have bought into Paris’ system because he allows you to play your game. If one guy isn’t having a great night shooting, it’s next man up because he and the team believe in everyone. With this team he says everyone has an opportunity “to eat.”
– Mack calls the SEC the most physical conference to play in. Believes it’s an advantage for them, especially playing in different parts of the country seeing how officials call the game. Understand that there’s a certain way games are called in the SEC and it makes them more prepared for this tournament
– Cooper says they’ve been playing some great basketball as of late but they haven’t played South Carolina’s defense before
Lamont Paris
– Growth has been key to this team this year, especially for younger players. However, he’s been extremely pleased with the growth of Cooper adding that it’s not always easy for 5th year guys to grow. Specifically mentions his growth as a leader and his play on defense.
– Tough to compare Oregon to any team they’ve played this year but they’ve grown throughout the course of the year. Very versatile; can’t beat you multiple ways from a scoring standpoint
– Beyond impressed with how CMB has responded since having mono to start the year. Went through a lot behind the scenes to get his cardio back up while also staying locked in. Calls him very coachable because he’s accountable
– With so many new player son this year’s team, earning trust from players was key. Says that starts back during the recruiting process by being honest with players with how you view them fitting into the team’s system, how players at previous schools he’s been at have made an impact in the roles, and letting them know that you truly care. That this not about him but rather the well-being of his players.
– Good progress on Myles Stute and expects him to be available “at some level” come tomorrow. Adds that Cooper has made good progress and will be “ready to go.”
