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A name with much more weight than a spot on a wish list has emerged in South Carolina's coaching search.Kansas State's Frank Martin has been confirmed as a candidate with "heavy" interest in USC, according to a source close to the situation. Martin just finished his fifth season with the Wildcats in his fourth NCAA tournament - Martin has never missed a postseason as a head coach (five years, all at K-State), although his second season was an NIT berth.Kansas State was eliminated from this year's NCAA tournament in the second round by Syracuse, after senior Jamar Samuels was declared ineligible less than 24 hours before the game. The Orange, missing their own suspended player in Fab Melo, beat Kansas State 75-59.Martin is a hot name in coaching, having followed Bob Huggins from Cincinnati to Kansas State and taking over when Huggins resigned to take the spot at his alma mater, West Virginia. As renowned for his fiery demeanor on the sideline as his coaching ability and recruiting prowess, Martin would be a definite big name that could automatically restore a lot of hope and enthusiasm in USC basketball.Martin's last contract extension bumped him to $1.55 million annually, which is right in the range of what USC athletic director Eric Hyman is thought to be considering for the next coach. Hyman didn't quote an exact figure at the press conference announcing Darrin Horn's firing, just saying he would pay "market value," but after paying Horn $1.1 million per year and watching that figure drop lower and lower on the scale of SEC coaches' pay, Hyman can easily go more. He has a reserve fund of over $12 million to draw from, $2.4 million of which can help cover Horn's buyout.Hyman attended USC's women's basketball game in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday but was not there for the Gamecocks' advancement to the Sweet 16 on Monday. He previously said that he would have no comment on the coaching search until it was completed.No matter who USC hires, the new coach will have quite a task facing him with the Gamecocks' basketball team. USC has some pieces, but not a lot of ready-made basketball talent, especially as the saga of oscar Ellington continues to mount.Martin, though, brings a reputation of getting the most out of his players. An intimidating presence who is constantly in his players' faces on the sideline, Martin has won ever since he took over. Despite the fact that he really only had one season at K-State with his players (most were recruited by Huggins), the Wildcats finished 22-10 and 10-8 in the Big 12 in 2012.Martin was thought to be a natural for the Miami job when it opened last year, as he grew up in Miami as the son of Cuban immigrants. He won three straight high school state championships in that city and then got into college coaching, at Northeastern.But the job went to Jim Larranaga instead, and Martin said that he planned to be at Kansas State for a long time. It sounded then as if he was putting on a façade to mask his disappointment, and now he has at least let it be known that he is interested in USC.Martin is a winner, but has drawn criticism for his in-your-face style with his players. He gets results, but his K-State teams have had a lot of attrition, both coming and going. Martin has had several players transfer in and out of his program.At USC, at least early on, that could be a boon. While everyone likes to see stability, the Gamecocks had a lot of attrition under Horn and frankly, need players. There may not be many to get at this date, but perhaps Martin could bring in a recruiting connection.Glenn Elrod contributed to this story
Martin, though, brings a reputation of getting the most out of his players.
QuoteMartin, though, brings a reputation of getting the most out of his players.slap in the face to all of the talent we have, imho. This is the perception...then, that means everyone thinks you can't recruit.
Eddie Fogler-Failed at South CarolinaDave Odom-Failed at South CarolinaThey built a sparkling new arena.Darrin Horn-Failed at South CarolinaAnybody see a trend here?
The Frank Martin to South Carolina rumors are really heating up. According to sources, Martin may have already been in contact with USC officials. South Carolina native Gregg Marshall was believed to be the #1 target, but he may have priced himself out of the game. Marshall reportedly wants a 7-year $2.5 million deal.
QuoteThe Frank Martin to South Carolina rumors are really heating up. According to sources, Martin may have already been in contact with USC officials. South Carolina native Gregg Marshall was believed to be the #1 target, but he may have priced himself out of the game. Marshall reportedly wants a 7-year $2.5 million deal. http://hoopdirt.com/blog/a17a9159/daily-dirt-ii-3-19-12/
I vote we go get someone who recruits shooters.
Quote from: GoodForAnother on March 20, 2012, 09:22:23 AM I vote we go get someone who recruits shooters.i could get behind this. #teamfrank, though.
i'm intrigued by underwood. i kind of like him.
in the end, EMAW will always win.
