Will Bailey returns to USC basketball with new boss but same enthusiasm for Gamecocks
When Will Bailey left South Carolina in 2022, the Gamecocks were hovering in SEC no-man’s land — aka the middle of the pack.
Now, he’s rejoined a USC program on the rise, fresh off a second-place conference finish and an NCAA Tournament appearance.
For Bailey, it’s about more than just returning. It’s about adjusting to a new Gamecock era under head coach Lamont Paris.
“I’m the new guy, so I’m all ears,” Bailey said. “I’m just trying to learn how he does things and continue to learn and grow along with the new guys that are here.”
Bailey, with 20 years of experience as an assistant, previously coached under Frank Martin in Columbia from 2020-22 before heading to St. Louis for a season and then Loyola Chicago. The chance to return was one he couldn’t resist, especially given the Gamecocks’ upward trajectory in the SEC.
Now back in familiar territory, Bailey’s role is with recruiting, player development and whatever else Paris needs him to do to help USC build on the recent success.
Bailey and Paris go back to the mid-2010s, when they were both assistants — Bailey at La Salle, which reached the Sweet 16 in 2012-13, and Paris at Wisconsin, which made the Final Four the following year. Their shared history played a factor in Paris’ offer to for Bailey to return.
“Just a mutual respect and always kept in contact,” Bailey said. “When he called me about the opportunity to come back, I was excited. It’s a great opportunity to come and learn under him and a great staff. The things that he’s done have been amazing, building a program and continuing to build a culture here.
“I can see why he’s had success everywhere he’s been. The things he instills into his players, the confidence, the belief, and the players feed off of it.”
When returning, Bailey said it was quickly apparent the type of culture Paris has established with the Gamecocks: one rooted in connectivity.
“We’re excited about the season — looking forward to continuing to grow,” Bailey said. “Right now, just learning, gelling with each other. That’s the one thing I noticed when I first got here: just the chemistry and everybody likes each other.”
After practices, players often stay to shoot around, joke with one another or even hold dunk contests with Jamarii Thomas and Cam Scott attempting windmills.
One key similarity between Paris and Martin is their emphasis on defense, which is necessary in the physical SEC. But their style is different.
Martin’s fiery personality is reflected in his aggressive, ball-denial defense. Paris, known for his more laid-back demeanor, emphasizes containment and positioning, focusing on keeping players in front of the ball.
“We know we’re hanging a hat on defense,” Bailey said. “... We continue to grow in that area, still learning.”
Bailey appreciates what both of his USC bosses have done with their programs and is looking forward to seeing what the Gamecocks can do this year with Paris.
“Coach Paris is a great young coach – expecting big things this upcoming season,” Bailey said.
