Cremins Returns to South Carolina as Coach

Bobby Cremins, intent on leaving a legacy at the school where he played basketball, took the coaching job Wednesday at South Carolina.

Cremins, who spent 12 seasons at Georgia Tech, replaces Steve Newton, who resigned Jan. 18 after the school’s internal report outlined five secondary NCAA violations. South Carolina was 9-18 last season.

The chances of Cremins leaving Georgia Tech and returning to coach at his alma mater seemed remote Tuesday night, however, when he called athletic director Mike McGee and turned down the South Carolina job.

Then on Wednesday morning, Cremins called back and asked for more time to consider. Soon after, he accepted the job.

Cremins said he had thought often about the chance to return to South Carolina, where he played under Frank McGuire from 1968-70. McGuire retired in 1980 and the Gamecock program has failed to regain national prominence.

“It’s always been a dream of mine to come back here and coach,” he said. “I never really thought it would come to reality. I would like to end my college career where I started it, and that’s right here in Columbia.”

Cremins, 45, compiled a 240-135 record at Georgia Tech, winning three Atlantic Coast Conference championships. He previously coached at Appalachian State and has an overall record of 340-205 in 18 seasons.

Cremins received a five-year contract worth $106,928 per season.