Sam Dekker has been appointed as an assistant coach at South Carolina, bringing his extensive basketball experience to the team. His background as a player is expected to enhance the coaching staff's capabilities.
Key points
Sam Dekker appointed as assistant coach at South Carolina
Brings extensive basketball experience
Expected to enhance coaching staff capabilities
Mentioned in this story
Sam DekkerSouth Carolina
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker dunks a ball during practice Friday November 19, 2010 at Lutheran High School.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) launches the ball by Sheboygan Christian's Joseph Meerdink (32) during action Friday February 19, 2010 at Lutheran.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) reacts to Marion making a foul during action Saturday March 10, 2012 at Waupaca.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) talks to team mate Tyler Zastrow (32) before action Friday January 20, 2012 in Oostburg against the Dutchmen.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker follows through on a helicopter dunk against Oneida Nation Saturday March 3, 2012, at Sheboygan Lutheran.
Q&A
What is Sam Dekker's role at South Carolina?
Sam Dekker has been appointed as an assistant coach at South Carolina.
What experience does Sam Dekker bring to coaching?
Sam Dekker brings extensive basketball experience from his playing career, which is expected to benefit the coaching staff.
When did Sam Dekker start his coaching career?
The specific start date of Sam Dekker's coaching career at South Carolina has not been mentioned.
How will Sam Dekker impact the South Carolina basketball team?
Sam Dekker's playing background and insights are expected to enhance the team's performance and development.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) rests in a free throw line during action Thursday January 26, 2012 at Lutheran against Cedar Grove.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) dunks the ball against Marion during action Saturday March 10, 2012 at Waupaca.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) makes a shot during against Marion during action Saturday March 10, 2012 at Waupaca.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) launches the ball Friday January 20, 2012 in Oostburg against the Dutchmen.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) launches the ball Friday January 20, 2012 in Oostburg against the Dutchmen.
Mar 28, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Sam Dekker (15) celebrates the 85-78 victory against Arizona Wildcats in the finals of the west regional of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 28, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Sam Dekker (15) celebrates the 85-78 victory against Arizona Wildcats during the second half in the finals of the west regional of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Wisconsin Badgers forward Sam Dekker (15) moves to the basket against Arizona Wildcats during the second half in the finals of the west regional of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Staples Center.
Wisconsin’s Sam Dekker and Frank Kaminsky are both expected to be first-round picks in the NBA draft.
Wisconsin Badgers forward Sam Dekker (15) reacts after a basket against the Kentucky Wildcats in the second half of Saturday’s NCAA tournament semifinal game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) aims the ball Thursday January 26, 2012 at Lutheran against Cedar Grove.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) launches the ball Friday January 20, 2012 in Oostburg against the Dutchmen.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) launches the ball Friday January 20, 2012 in Oostburg against the Dutchmen.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) looks to pass the ball Thursday January 26, 2012 at Lutheran against Cedar Grove.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) launches the ball Thursday January 26, 2012 at Lutheran against Cedar Grove.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) launches the ball Thursday January 26, 2012 at Lutheran against Cedar Grove.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) launches the ball Thursday January 26, 2012 at Lutheran against Cedar Grove.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) dribbles the ball around a Cedar Grove player Thursday January 26, 2012 at Lutheran.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) rebounds the ball against Marion's Brady Detert (32) during action Saturday March 10, 2012 at Waupaca.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) celebrates after winning over Green Bay N.E.W. Tuesday November 23, 2010 at Lutheran. Dekker scored 36 points in the 74-58 win over Green Bay.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) launches a basket during action Tuesday January 26, 2010 with Howards Grove's Austin Griesbach (22) in the background.
Elkhart Lake's Dane Blake (14) shoots the ball by Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) during action Thursday February 12, 2009 at Elkhart Lake.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1, right) tries to keep the ball away from Oostburg's Mike Keller (3) during action Tuesday January 18, 2011 in Oostburg.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) runs onto the court during pre game festivities Tuesday January 18, 2011 in Oostburg.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) guards Oostburg's Brad Prinsen (5) during action Tuesday January 18, 2011 in Oostburg.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) tries to shoot the ball by Oostburg's Mark Keller (23) action Tuesday January 18, 2011 in Oostburg.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) eyes the basket Tuesday January 18, 2011 with Oostburg's Mark Keller (23) guarding him during action in Oostburg.
Oostburg's Mike Keller (3) looks to pass the ball by a frustrated Sheboygan Lutheran Sam Dekker (1) Friday February 25, 2011 at Lutheran.
Sheboygan Lutheran High School against McDonell Central first round action of the WIAA boys state basketball tournament in Madison, Wis. on Thursday, March 15, 2012.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) launches the ball by Sheboygan Christian's Joseph Meerdink (32) during action Friday February 19, 2010 at Lutheran.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) launches the ball Thursday January 26, 2012 at Lutheran against Cedar Grove.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) shoots the ball one handed Friday March 4, 2011 at Lutheran during action with Sheboygan Christian.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) waits for the start of the National Anthem Tuesday January 4, 2011 at Lutheran.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) launches the ball during action Tuesday January 4, 2011 at Lutheran.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) launches the ball during action Tuesday January 4, 2011 at Lutheran.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) hangs by the rim after a dunk during action Tuesday January 4, 2011 at Lutheran.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) passes the ball during action Tuesday January 4, 2011 at Lutheran.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) and Oostburg's Marcus Buehler (15) reach for the ball during action Tuesday February 23, 2010 at Oostburg.
Oostburg's Mike Paluchniak (4) looks up as Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) bats the ball during action Tuesday February 23, 2010 in Oostburg.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) launches the ball by Sheboygan Christian's Brandon Wisse (23) during action Tuesday January 4, 2011 at Lutheran.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) dribbles the ball around Sheboygan Christian players during action Tuesday January 4, 2011 at Lutheran.
Oostburg's Mark Keller (23) blocks Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) Friday February 25, 2011 at Lutheran.
Sheboygan Sam Dekker (1) smiles as he announces during a brief pre-game ceremony Tuesday January 4, 2011in which his dad coach Todd Dekker was honored for his 200th win for the school.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) dribbles around a Sheboygan Christian player during action Friday March 4, 2011 at Lutheran.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) looks to pass the ball by Sheboygan Christian's Dustin Brouwer (33, left) during action Friday March 4, 2011 at Lutheran.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1, left) hits the ball away from a scoring attempt by a Sheboygan Christian player Friday March 4, 2011 at Lutheran.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) aims a free throw Friday March 4, 2011 at Lutheran.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) dribbles the ball by Sheboygan Christian's Dustin Brouwer (33, left) during action Friday March 4, 2011 at Lutheran.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) shoots the ball one handed Friday March 4, 2011 at Lutheran during action with Sheboygan Christian.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) does a dunk Friday March 4, 2011 in the waning moments of the fourth quarter against Sheboygan Christian at Lutheran.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) does a dunk Friday March 4, 2011 in the waning moments of the fourth quarter against Sheboygan Christian at Lutheran.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1, right) looks over the hand of Sheboygan Christian's Kyle Calvert (10) during action Friday March 4, 2011 at Lutheran.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) launches the ball by Sheboygan Christian's Dustin Brouwer (33) during action Tuesday January 4, 2011 at Lutheran.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) launches the ball for a basket during action with Green Bay N.E.W. Tuesday November 23, 2010 at Lutheran. Dekker scored 36 points in the 74-58 win over Green Bay.
Sam Dekker, left, guards Dane Poth Friday November 19, 2010 at Sheboygan Lutheran.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) enters the court while greeting a fan Saturday March 10, 2012 at Waupaca before action with Marion.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) hugs a fan Saturday March 10, 2012 following the team's 86-64 win over Marion at Waupaca.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) launches the ball against Marion Saturday March 10, 2012 in Waupaca.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) gives his views to the referee Saturday March 10, 2012 during action with Marion at Waupaca.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) reacts at the end of the game against Marion Saturday March 10, 2012 at Waupaca
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1, right) looks over the hand of Sheboygan Christian's Kyle Calvert (10) during action Friday March 4, 2011 at Lutheran.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) is fouled by Oneida Nation's Mike Mills (15) Saturday March 3, 2012, at Sheboygan Lutheran.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) blocks a shot by Oneida Nation's Mike Mills Saturday March 3, 2012, at Sheboygan Lutheran.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Nathan Hasenstein (12) and Sam Dekker (1) try to beat Oneida Nation's Kommanche Jordan (23) to the ball Saturday March 3, 2012, at Sheboygan Lutheran.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker pulls up for a jumper against Oneida Nation Saturday March 3, 2012, at Sheboygan Lutheran.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) guards Oostburg's Brad Prinsen (5) during action Tuesday January 18, 2011 in Oostburg. Photo by Gary C. Klein/The Sheboygan Press
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker shoots over Oostburg's Brad Prinsen Tuesday Nov. 29, 2011, at Lutheran.
Oostburg's Brad Prinsen drives to the hoop against Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker Tuesday Nov. 29, 2011, at Lutheran.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker shoots over Oostburg's Patrick Mauer Tuesday Nov. 29, 2011, at Lutheran.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker is fouled on the way to the hoop by Oostburg's Brad Prinsen (5) Tuesday Nov. 29, 2011, at Lutheran.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) is thwarted by Oostburg's Alex Stecker (2) Tuesday Nov. 29, 2011, at Lutheran.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) is called for a charge against Oostburg's Derrick Boldt Tuesday Nov. 29, 2011, at Lutheran.
Sam Dekker, middle in red poses with a friend Wednesday November 9, 2011 at Lutheran High School following a signing ceremony in which the athletic Dekker signs to play at UW-Madison.
From Left first row: Carol Dekker, Sam Dekker, Todd Dekker, pose with Sam Dekker's brother John and sister Hannah (in back) during a signing ceremony at Sheboygan Lutheran Wednesday November 9, 2011 where Dekker indicated he will play for the Badgers in Madison.
Friends and family of Sam Dekker snap photos of future UW-Madison basketball player with his family Wednesday November 9, 2011 at Lutheran High School following a signing ceremony in which the athletic Dekker signs to play at UW-Madison.
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker dunks a ball during practice Friday November 19, 2010 at Lutheran High School.
Sheboygan Area Lutheran High School fans celebrate with Sam Dekker, center, after their victory against Racine Lutheran High School's during their championship game at the WIAA boys state basketball tournament in Madison, Wis. on Saturday, March 17, 2012.
Sheboygan Area Lutheran High School's Sam Dekker and his father Todd Decker embrace after the Crusaders defeated Racine Lutheran High School in the championship game at the WIAA boys state basketball tournament in Madison Wis. on Saturday March 17, 2012.
Sheboygan Area Lutheran High School's #1 Sam Dekker shoots the game winning three point shot against Racine Lutheran High School's #11 Neko Graf during their championship game at the WIAA boys state basketball tournament in Madison Wis. on Saturday March 17, 2012.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker dunks a ball during practice Friday November 19, 2010 at Lutheran High School.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker dunks a ball during practice Friday November 19, 2010 at Lutheran High School.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) launches the ball by Sheboygan Christian's Joseph Meerdink (32) during action Friday February 19, 2010 at Lutheran.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) reacts to Marion making a foul during action Saturday March 10, 2012 at Waupaca.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) talks to team mate Tyler Zastrow (32) before action Friday January 20, 2012 in Oostburg against the Dutchmen.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker follows through on a helicopter dunk against Oneida Nation Saturday March 3, 2012, at Sheboygan Lutheran.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) rests in a free throw line during action Thursday January 26, 2012 at Lutheran against Cedar Grove.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) dunks the ball against Marion during action Saturday March 10, 2012 at Waupaca.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) makes a shot during against Marion during action Saturday March 10, 2012 at Waupaca.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) launches the ball Friday January 20, 2012 in Oostburg against the Dutchmen.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) launches the ball Friday January 20, 2012 in Oostburg against the Dutchmen.
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Mar 28, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Sam Dekker (15) celebrates the 85-78 victory against Arizona Wildcats in the finals of the west regional of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
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Mar 28, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Sam Dekker (15) celebrates the 85-78 victory against Arizona Wildcats during the second half in the finals of the west regional of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
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Wisconsin Badgers forward Sam Dekker (15) moves to the basket against Arizona Wildcats during the second half in the finals of the west regional of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Staples Center.
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Wisconsin’s Sam Dekker and Frank Kaminsky are both expected to be first-round picks in the NBA draft.
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Wisconsin Badgers forward Sam Dekker (15) reacts after a basket against the Kentucky Wildcats in the second half of Saturday’s NCAA tournament semifinal game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) aims the ball Thursday January 26, 2012 at Lutheran against Cedar Grove.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) launches the ball Friday January 20, 2012 in Oostburg against the Dutchmen.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) launches the ball Friday January 20, 2012 in Oostburg against the Dutchmen.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) looks to pass the ball Thursday January 26, 2012 at Lutheran against Cedar Grove.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) launches the ball Thursday January 26, 2012 at Lutheran against Cedar Grove.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) launches the ball Thursday January 26, 2012 at Lutheran against Cedar Grove.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) launches the ball Thursday January 26, 2012 at Lutheran against Cedar Grove.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) dribbles the ball around a Cedar Grove player Thursday January 26, 2012 at Lutheran.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) rebounds the ball against Marion's Brady Detert (32) during action Saturday March 10, 2012 at Waupaca.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) celebrates after winning over Green Bay N.E.W. Tuesday November 23, 2010 at Lutheran. Dekker scored 36 points in the 74-58 win over Green Bay.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) launches a basket during action Tuesday January 26, 2010 with Howards Grove's Austin Griesbach (22) in the background.
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Elkhart Lake's Dane Blake (14) shoots the ball by Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) during action Thursday February 12, 2009 at Elkhart Lake.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1, right) tries to keep the ball away from Oostburg's Mike Keller (3) during action Tuesday January 18, 2011 in Oostburg.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) runs onto the court during pre game festivities Tuesday January 18, 2011 in Oostburg.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) guards Oostburg's Brad Prinsen (5) during action Tuesday January 18, 2011 in Oostburg.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) tries to shoot the ball by Oostburg's Mark Keller (23) action Tuesday January 18, 2011 in Oostburg.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) eyes the basket Tuesday January 18, 2011 with Oostburg's Mark Keller (23) guarding him during action in Oostburg.
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Oostburg's Mike Keller (3) looks to pass the ball by a frustrated Sheboygan Lutheran Sam Dekker (1) Friday February 25, 2011 at Lutheran.
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Sheboygan Lutheran High School against McDonell Central first round action of the WIAA boys state basketball tournament in Madison, Wis. on Thursday, March 15, 2012.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) launches the ball by Sheboygan Christian's Joseph Meerdink (32) during action Friday February 19, 2010 at Lutheran.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) launches the ball Thursday January 26, 2012 at Lutheran against Cedar Grove.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) shoots the ball one handed Friday March 4, 2011 at Lutheran during action with Sheboygan Christian.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) waits for the start of the National Anthem Tuesday January 4, 2011 at Lutheran.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) launches the ball during action Tuesday January 4, 2011 at Lutheran.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) launches the ball during action Tuesday January 4, 2011 at Lutheran.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) hangs by the rim after a dunk during action Tuesday January 4, 2011 at Lutheran.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) passes the ball during action Tuesday January 4, 2011 at Lutheran.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) and Oostburg's Marcus Buehler (15) reach for the ball during action Tuesday February 23, 2010 at Oostburg.
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Oostburg's Mike Paluchniak (4) looks up as Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) bats the ball during action Tuesday February 23, 2010 in Oostburg.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) launches the ball by Sheboygan Christian's Brandon Wisse (23) during action Tuesday January 4, 2011 at Lutheran.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) dribbles the ball around Sheboygan Christian players during action Tuesday January 4, 2011 at Lutheran.
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Oostburg's Mark Keller (23) blocks Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) Friday February 25, 2011 at Lutheran.
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Sheboygan Sam Dekker (1) smiles as he announces during a brief pre-game ceremony Tuesday January 4, 2011in which his dad coach Todd Dekker was honored for his 200th win for the school.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) dribbles around a Sheboygan Christian player during action Friday March 4, 2011 at Lutheran.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) looks to pass the ball by Sheboygan Christian's Dustin Brouwer (33, left) during action Friday March 4, 2011 at Lutheran.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1, left) hits the ball away from a scoring attempt by a Sheboygan Christian player Friday March 4, 2011 at Lutheran.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) aims a free throw Friday March 4, 2011 at Lutheran.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) dribbles the ball by Sheboygan Christian's Dustin Brouwer (33, left) during action Friday March 4, 2011 at Lutheran.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) shoots the ball one handed Friday March 4, 2011 at Lutheran during action with Sheboygan Christian.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) does a dunk Friday March 4, 2011 in the waning moments of the fourth quarter against Sheboygan Christian at Lutheran.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) does a dunk Friday March 4, 2011 in the waning moments of the fourth quarter against Sheboygan Christian at Lutheran.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1, right) looks over the hand of Sheboygan Christian's Kyle Calvert (10) during action Friday March 4, 2011 at Lutheran.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) launches the ball by Sheboygan Christian's Dustin Brouwer (33) during action Tuesday January 4, 2011 at Lutheran.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) launches the ball for a basket during action with Green Bay N.E.W. Tuesday November 23, 2010 at Lutheran. Dekker scored 36 points in the 74-58 win over Green Bay.
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Sam Dekker, left, guards Dane Poth Friday November 19, 2010 at Sheboygan Lutheran.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) enters the court while greeting a fan Saturday March 10, 2012 at Waupaca before action with Marion.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) hugs a fan Saturday March 10, 2012 following the team's 86-64 win over Marion at Waupaca.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) launches the ball against Marion Saturday March 10, 2012 in Waupaca.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) gives his views to the referee Saturday March 10, 2012 during action with Marion at Waupaca.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) reacts at the end of the game against Marion Saturday March 10, 2012 at Waupaca
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1, right) looks over the hand of Sheboygan Christian's Kyle Calvert (10) during action Friday March 4, 2011 at Lutheran.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) is fouled by Oneida Nation's Mike Mills (15) Saturday March 3, 2012, at Sheboygan Lutheran.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) blocks a shot by Oneida Nation's Mike Mills Saturday March 3, 2012, at Sheboygan Lutheran.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Nathan Hasenstein (12) and Sam Dekker (1) try to beat Oneida Nation's Kommanche Jordan (23) to the ball Saturday March 3, 2012, at Sheboygan Lutheran.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker pulls up for a jumper against Oneida Nation Saturday March 3, 2012, at Sheboygan Lutheran.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) guards Oostburg's Brad Prinsen (5) during action Tuesday January 18, 2011 in Oostburg. Photo by Gary C. Klein/The Sheboygan Press
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker shoots over Oostburg's Brad Prinsen Tuesday Nov. 29, 2011, at Lutheran.
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Oostburg's Brad Prinsen drives to the hoop against Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker Tuesday Nov. 29, 2011, at Lutheran.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker shoots over Oostburg's Patrick Mauer Tuesday Nov. 29, 2011, at Lutheran.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker is fouled on the way to the hoop by Oostburg's Brad Prinsen (5) Tuesday Nov. 29, 2011, at Lutheran.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) is thwarted by Oostburg's Alex Stecker (2) Tuesday Nov. 29, 2011, at Lutheran.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker (1) is called for a charge against Oostburg's Derrick Boldt Tuesday Nov. 29, 2011, at Lutheran.
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Sam Dekker, middle in red poses with a friend Wednesday November 9, 2011 at Lutheran High School following a signing ceremony in which the athletic Dekker signs to play at UW-Madison.
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From Left first row: Carol Dekker, Sam Dekker, Todd Dekker, pose with Sam Dekker's brother John and sister Hannah (in back) during a signing ceremony at Sheboygan Lutheran Wednesday November 9, 2011 where Dekker indicated he will play for the Badgers in Madison.
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Friends and family of Sam Dekker snap photos of future UW-Madison basketball player with his family Wednesday November 9, 2011 at Lutheran High School following a signing ceremony in which the athletic Dekker signs to play at UW-Madison.
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Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker dunks a ball during practice Friday November 19, 2010 at Lutheran High School.
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Sheboygan Area Lutheran High School fans celebrate with Sam Dekker, center, after their victory against Racine Lutheran High School's during their championship game at the WIAA boys state basketball tournament in Madison, Wis. on Saturday, March 17, 2012.
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Sheboygan Area Lutheran High School's Sam Dekker and his father Todd Decker embrace after the Crusaders defeated Racine Lutheran High School in the championship game at the WIAA boys state basketball tournament in Madison Wis. on Saturday March 17, 2012.
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Sheboygan Area Lutheran High School's #1 Sam Dekker shoots the game winning three point shot against Racine Lutheran High School's #11 Neko Graf during their championship game at the WIAA boys state basketball tournament in Madison Wis. on Saturday March 17, 2012.
Dekker, the former Sheboygan Lutheran and Wisconsin star, will be an assistant coach for the University of South Carolina Gamecocks men's basketball team the program announced on X on May 15.
Dekker has always seemed destined to be a coach, spending time on social media breaking down the intricacies of sports and especially basketball.
It also runs in his family as his father, Todd Dekker, was a longtime coach for Sheboygan Lutheran and was Dekker's coach with the Crusaders.
The decision to get into coaching comes after Dekker spent the last two seasons playing professionally in Spain although he didn't see much action this past season due to varying reasons including injuries.
Wisconsin Badgers forward Sam Dekker (15) drives to the basket against Arizona Wildcats forward Stanley Johnson (5) during the NCAA Men's Basketball Division 1 West Regional finals game between Wisconsin and Arizona, Saturday, March 28, 2015 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.
Wisconsin Badgers forward Sam Dekker (15) drives to the basket against Arizona Wildcats forward Stanley Johnson (5) during the NCAA Men's Basketball Division 1 West Regional finals game between Wisconsin and Arizona, Saturday, March 28, 2015 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.
Had Dekker not suffered several injuries after being a first round NBA Draft pick of the Houston Rockets, Dekker might have had a career similar to other Wisconsin high school legends such as Tyler Herro or Tyrese Haliburton.
The situation at South Carolina should be ideal, as Gamecocks coach Lamont Paris was an assistant at Wisconsin under Bo Ryan during Dekker's time in Madison.
"Development of each players individual abilities is as important now as it ever has been in college basketball," the South Carolina X post said. "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."
"I couldn't be more excited to be a part of Gamecock Basketball," the post said. "I'm so grateful to Coach Paris for trusting me in 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."
While his role at South Carolina isn't fully known, I have to venture that the Gamecocks will likely be better at recruiting the state of Wisconsin with him on the staff.
Wisconsin has had an uptick in high-level players at the high school level, including Herro, Haliburton and Kon Knueppel who recently was a finalist for NBA rookie of the year after starring at Duke.
Dekker has coaching in his blood and no matter what role he has, there's no doubt he will be an amazing coach and resource for the players at South Carolina.
He's dealt with the highs of playing in back-to-back Final Fours but also the impact injuries have and the lessons learned.
Dekker has also played everything from the NBA to Russia, Turkey, England and Spain so he'll have an ability to relate to international players as well on a personal and basketball level.
There's no telling where the future will lead Dekker but now that his playing days are seemingly behind him there was no easier or smarter transition than moving from the court to the sidelines.
He even summed it up best in a post on X.
"Beyond thrilled, beyond motivated. Let’s go Gamecocks!!!!," Dekker posted.
