Sam Dekker, forever a Wisconsin Badgers legend, is trading his sneakers for a clipboard. The Sheboygan native and key figure in UW's back-to-back Final Four runs (including the 2015 national runner-up finish) has officially hung up his playing jersey to take on an assistant coaching role at South Carolina under former Badgers assistant Lamont Paris.

Paris, now in his fourth season leading the Gamecocks, knows a thing or two about winning. After a standout tenure at Chattanooga—where he posted an 87-72 record and led the Mocs to the 2022 NCAA Tournament—Paris brought his talents to Columbia. Last season was a tough one (13-19), but the Gamecocks have already shown they can dance under his leadership. And with Dekker joining the staff, there's a renewed sense of energy around the program.

"Development of each player's individual abilities is as important now as it has ever been in college basketball," 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."

Dekker's journey from Madison to the NBA and beyond reads like a basketball odyssey. Drafted 18th overall by the Houston Rockets in 2015, he played professionally in Russia, Turkey, England, and Spain. His European highlight? Leading the London Lions to a league championship in 2023 while averaging 17.5 points and 5.1 rebounds per game, earning MVP honors along the way. He wrapped up his playing career this past season in Spain, bringing 11 years of pro experience to the coaching ranks.

"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," Dekker shared. "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 every chance to succeed."

For Badgers fans and basketball lovers alike, seeing Dekker back in the college game is a full-circle moment. And for South Carolina, it's a signal that they're serious about building a winner—one with a championship pedigree both on and off the court.