Former college basketball star Sam Dekker joining SEC coaching staff
TL;DR
Sam Dekker has been hired as an assistant coach for South Carolina's men's basketball team, focusing on player development. Dekker previously played for Wisconsin, leading them to the Final Four and national title game in 2014 and 2015.
Key points
- Sam Dekker joins South Carolina as an assistant coach
- Focus on player development
- Dekker previously played for Wisconsin
- Led Wisconsin to Final Four in 2014
- Led Wisconsin to national title game in 2015
Sam Dekker's basketball journey has taken him from the highs of March Madness in the 2010s, to the NBA and to professional teams around the world. After globe-trotting for the last several years, Dekker has landed a new job back in the United States.
The South Carolina men's basketball program hired Dekker as an assistant coach, who will focus on player development.
“Development of each player’s individual abilities is as important now as it has ever been in college basketball,” Gamecocks head coach Lamont Paris said in a release. “Sam’s unique experiences and skill set will allow him to have a tremendous impact on our players and program immediately. He is a winner through and through, and I am thrilled to add him to our staff as an assistant coach. I know he can’t wait to get to work, and neither can I. Please join me in welcoming Coach Dekker to Gamecock Nation!”
Dekker is best known for his collegiate playing career at Wisconsin, where he helped lead the Badgers to the Final Four and national title game in 2014 and 2015 respectively.
“I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of Gamecock basketball,” Dekker said. “I’m so grateful to Coach Paris for trusting me with this role, and I take it very seriously. The decision to transition from player to coach is not one I took lightly, but joining Coach Paris and this program was a dream opportunity. I am thrilled to return to the college game and compete at such a high level in the SEC. My 11 years as a pro have provided so many experiences with amazing players, coaches and styles. Some of my best memories as a player were competing in two Final Fours with Coach Paris, and I look forward to doing that with him again. My goal is to win in March and give our players the best opportunity for success on and off the court.”
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This article originally appeared on College Sports Wire: South Carolina adds former college hoops star Sam Dekker to staff
Q&A
What role will Sam Dekker have at South Carolina's basketball program?
Sam Dekker will serve as an assistant coach, focusing on player development.
What achievements did Sam Dekker have during his college basketball career?
Sam Dekker helped lead the Wisconsin Badgers to the Final Four in 2014 and the national title game in 2015.
Who is the head coach of South Carolina's men's basketball team?
The head coach of South Carolina's men's basketball team is Lamont Paris.
