The South Carolina Gamecocks have bolstered their coaching staff with the addition of Will Bailey, who returns to the program from Loyola Chicago. Bailey, who previously served under Frank Martin, brings a wealth of experience and recruiting acumen that promises to improve the Gamecocks’ roster.
Sources: South Carolina’s Lamont Paris will hire Loyola Chicago’s Will Bailey as an assistant coach.
Bailey was previously with the Gamecocks under coach Frank Martin.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) July 1, 2024
During his initial tenure with South Carolina, Bailey made an immediate impact as a key recruiter, securing talents like four-star guard Bryce Lindsay from Baltimore, Maryland, and highly-touted five-star forward G.G. Jackson, who was a known quiet commit under Martin who would eventually commit elsewhere, eventually flipping to join the Gamecocks and team up with new head coach Lamont Paris.
Bailey’s coaching journey began after a successful playing career. He played two seasons at UAB, where he captained the 1996-97 team that reached the NIT. Known for his defensive prowess, Bailey also excelled at Parkland College, leading his team to a No. 1 ranking and an appearance in the NJCAA National Tournament in 1994. His impressive statistics and leadership earned him induction into the Parkland College Hall of Fame in 2019.
With more than 17 years of NCAA Division I coaching experience, Bailey has honed his skills, particularly in developing point guards. His coaching experience includes significant roles at institutions such as La Salle, East Tennessee State, Maine, Chicago State and his alma mater, UAB. Highlights of Bailey’s career include his contribution to five NCAA Tournament teams, most notably the La Salle Explorers’ Sweet 16 run in 2012-13.
Most recently, during his time at Saint Louis University, Bailey was part of a coaching staff that guided the Billikens to continued improvement. Last season, the team posted a 23-13 record, won the Atlantic 10 Conference Championship and secured a berth in the NCAA Tournament, underscoring Bailey’s role in fostering success at the collegiate level.
In joining South Carolina, Bailey not only brings coaching experience, but also a proven track record in player development and recruiting, positioning the Gamecocks for continued growth in the competitive college basketball landscape. His return marks a strategic move by South Carolina to strengthen its coaching foundation as they target future success on the court.
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