Lamont Paris has shown his adeptness at recruiting, demonstrating his ability to secure talent for the South Carolina Gamecocks. Just two weeks after in-state star shooting guard Cam Scott opted out of his commitment to Texas to play closer to home for Paris at South Carolina, Paris successfully addressed the team’s need for a point guard by securing another standout player for the 2024-25 roster.
Jamarii Thomas, the reigning MEAC Player of the Year from Norfolk State, has made a significant commitment change, opting to join the South Carolina Gamecocks. The senior guard, who averaged nearly 17 points per game last season along with 3.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 69 steals, brings an impressive skill set to the Gamecocks. Thomas was also recognized for his defensive prowess, earning a spot on the league’s All-Defensive team.
Hailing from Greensboro, North Carolina, Thomas stands at an even 6 feet tall and began his collegiate career at UNC Wilmington before transferring to Norfolk State. During his tenure with the Spartans, he showcased his scoring ability by shooting over 40 percent from the field, maintaining a sharp 38 percent from beyond the arc, and displaying consistency at the free-throw line with an accuracy of just above 80 percent.
With the departure of Ta’Lon Cooper, who played a pivotal role in the South Carolina Gamecocks’ successful 26-win season and NCAA Tournament appearance, the team found itself in need of a true point guard. Cooper’s versatility was evident in his ability to score at a high volume, evidenced by his impressive statistics: 144 assists, a 48 percent field-goal percentage, and nearly 46 percent accuracy from beyond the arc.
Coach Lamont Paris, known for his emphasis on the three-point shot in his offensive schemes, recognized the importance of securing an experienced point guard to lead a team undergoing significant roster changes. In addition to Cooper, the Gamecocks also bid farewell to their top scorers, B.J. Mack and Meechie Johnson. Therefore, the acquisition of a skilled point guard like Jamarii Thomas is crucial for maintaining the team’s competitiveness and offensive efficiency.
South Carolina has successfully reloaded its roster with a series of notable acquisitions, including Cam Scott, Alabama transfer Nick Pringle, Missouri transfer Jordan Butler, and now Jamarii Thomas. With these additions, the Gamecocks have utilized their full allotment of 13 scholarships for the upcoming season.