Surprising news came out yesterday that Lamont Paris hired Badger great Sam Dekker to his South Carolina coaching staff. The move to coaching always seemed inevitable for Dekker, but like Brad Davison, many assumed it would start at Wisconsin. Yet, the first opportunity came via former Wisconsin assistant Lamont Paris.
That connection is what helped Dekker pivot from an international pro career to the sidelines as a coach. Dekker joined Karley Marotta of TMJ Channel 4 to talk over his decision. He said that he needed to step away from the game before he lost his ability to fully play it. "I am happy that I am leaving the game before it left me, as a player."
He goes on to reminisce about his connection to Paris and why the opportunity to join the South Carolina staff has a Wisconsin twist to it. He feels like there was unfinished business he left unwritten in Madison, and he's eager to join with Paris to try to find those goals again for the Gamecocks.
"I am happy that I am leaving the game before it left me, as a player. I think I have a lifetime in this game to be had." -@dekker
— Karley Marotta (@Karley_Marotta) May 15, 2026
After 11 years playing professionally, Dekker is stepping into coaching and joining Lamont Paris' staff as an assistant coach @GamecockMBB pic.twitter.com/7wuMpAMaUU
Sam Dekker said his time as a Wisconsin Badger is what led him to the Gamecocks
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Dekker is clearly excited to get started and has a lot of background to lean on. He was not just an accomplished player at every level; he is a coach's son and knows exactly what it looks like to develop and help young players.
Yet Wisconsin isn't far from his mind, "I felt like when I left school, I left with food on the table. I left with a year of eligibility, having lost a national championship, going to two Final Fours, but never finishing the job. So I feel like there is unfinished business for me and Lamont, last time we were together there was heartbreak."
Wisconsin fans can agree that the last time they saw Dekker in a Badger jersey, it felt unfinished and undone. There was heartbreak. And now, there's a bit of heartbreak to see him on a different sideline, but recognizing the opportunity before him.
The good news is that South Carolina is in the SEC, and the paths will rarely overlap. Dekker can still root for the Badgers from afar, and if the paths ever do cross, he will have a tough time holding in the Badger inside. Ultimately, and hopefully, Dekker will end up on the sidelines in Madison.
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