South Carolina men’s basketball head coach Lamont Paris has officially completed his coaching staff with the addition of veteran assistant coach Steve Smith. The move brings an experienced recruiter and longtime basketball coach to Columbia, adding another respected voice to a program that continues to build momentum under Paris.
Smith’s hiring had been expected for several days, and the university has now formally confirmed the addition. He joins a coaching group that includes assistant coaches Tanner Bronson, Bob Donewald Jr., and Sam Dekker, giving South Carolina a staff that combines recruiting experience, player development expertise, and extensive coaching backgrounds.
For Smith, the opportunity represents a return to familiar territory. A native of Varnville, South Carolina, he has spent a significant portion of his coaching career working within the state. His ties to South Carolina basketball run deep, and his understanding of the region’s basketball landscape could prove valuable as the Gamecocks continue to strengthen their recruiting efforts both locally and nationally.
Smith’s coaching journey began at Allen University, where he served as an assistant coach for the women’s basketball program while finishing his bachelor’s degree at Trinity College. The role provided him with an early opportunity to learn the profession and develop the skills that would eventually lead to coaching opportunities at some of the nation’s top programs.
After his time at Allen University, Smith joined the coaching staff at USC Upstate. He spent seven seasons there from 2002 through 2009, gaining valuable experience in player development, recruiting, and game preparation. Those years helped establish him as a rising coach within the college basketball community and opened doors for future opportunities.
His career continued to advance when he joined Clemson as an assistant coach. During his six-year tenure with the Tigers from 2013 to 2019, Smith became known for his recruiting abilities and his strong relationships with players. Working in one of the country’s most competitive basketball conferences, he helped Clemson remain competitive while developing talent and contributing to the program’s growth.
Following his success at Clemson, Smith accepted an opportunity to join Florida State under legendary head coach Leonard Hamilton. The move placed him on the staff of one of the ACC’s most successful programs during that period. At Florida State, Smith further enhanced his reputation as one of the top recruiters in college basketball.
One of the most notable achievements of his time with the Seminoles came during the 2021 recruiting cycle. Florida State secured the nation’s second-ranked recruiting class, a significant accomplishment in an era when recruiting battles are increasingly competitive. Smith played a major role in that success and was instrumental in attracting several highly regarded prospects to the program.
Among the players he helped recruit was John Butler, one of the most talented members of that recruiting class. Landing a player of Butler’s caliber demonstrated Smith’s ability to connect with elite prospects and their families while effectively presenting a program’s vision for development and success.
Recruiting has long been considered one of Smith’s greatest strengths. Throughout his coaching career, he has built a reputation for identifying talent, developing relationships, and helping programs attract players capable of making an impact at the highest levels of college basketball. Those skills are expected to be particularly valuable for South Carolina as the Gamecocks continue competing in the highly challenging Southeastern Conference.
Most recently, Smith spent two seasons at Boston College. During his time with the Eagles, he brought veteran leadership and recruiting experience to the program. However, changes within the coaching staff following the 2025–26 season led to his departure, creating an opportunity for South Carolina to bring him back to his home state.
Beyond his coaching accomplishments, Smith’s personal journey is unique and inspiring. Before launching his coaching career, he played college basketball at Morgan State University. After two seasons as a player, he chose to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Army.
Smith’s military career lasted from 1994 through 2000. During that period, he was stationed at several military installations, including Fort Gordon in Georgia, Fort Hood in Texas, and Fort Meade in Maryland. His service provided valuable life experiences that helped shape his leadership style and approach to mentoring young athletes.
Even while serving in the military, Smith continued to showcase his basketball abilities. His talent earned him selection to the All-Army basketball team, allowing him to compete at a high level while representing the military. The experience helped keep him connected to the sport and ultimately contributed to his transition into coaching after his military service ended.
The addition of Smith comes at an important time for South Carolina. The program recently experienced changes within its coaching staff following the departures of assistant coaches Will Bailey and Eddie Shannon. Those moves created openings that Lamont Paris needed to fill as he prepared for the future.
Paris first addressed one vacancy by hiring Bob Donewald Jr., an experienced coach with an extensive basketball background. He then completed the process by bringing in Smith, ensuring that both open positions were filled with veteran coaches who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the program.
The coaching staff was further strengthened through the addition of former NBA player Sam Dekker, who joined the program in a newly created assistant coaching role. Dekker’s playing experience, combined with the recruiting and coaching expertise of Smith, Bronson, and Donewald, provides South Carolina with a diverse and well-rounded staff.
For Lamont Paris, assembling the right coaching staff is a critical part of building a successful program. Strong assistants play major roles in recruiting, player development, scouting, and maintaining relationships with players and prospects. By adding Smith, Paris has secured a coach who brings decades of experience and a proven record of success.
Smith’s familiarity with South Carolina basketball could also create additional opportunities for the Gamecocks on the recruiting trail. His longstanding connections throughout the state and across the Southeast may help the program identify and attract talented players who can contribute immediately and in the future.
As South Carolina prepares for the upcoming season, the completion of the coaching staff provides stability and optimism. The combination of experienced coaches, respected recruiters, and former high-level players gives the Gamecocks a strong foundation as they continue pursuing success in one of college basketball’s toughest conferences.
With Steve Smith now officially on board, South Carolina has added a respected veteran whose experience spans multiple major programs, extensive ACC competition, military service, and elite-level recruiting. His arrival represents another important step in Lamont Paris’ efforts to strengthen the Gamecocks and position the program for sustained success in the years ahead.
