Final Four: Perception of Martin changes as Gamecocks pile up wins
PHOENIX, Ariz. – The irony isn’t lost on Frank Martin.
In early March 2014, towards the end of his disappointing second year as South Carolina head coach, Martin was suspended for the regular season finale at Mississippi State for “inappropriate verbal communication as it relates to the well-being of our student-athletes” after he was caught on video berating then freshman point guard Duane Notice.
Athletic director Ray Tanner reportedly took action when a few fans sitting within earshot of the Gamecocks bench complained about Martin’s harsh language.
Three years later, Martin has toned down his sideline antics only barely, yet few people have complained.
The difference? Winning.
When Martin was suspended for one game on March 6, 2014, the Gamecocks were 11-19 and mired close to the bottom of the SEC standings after a 72-46 home loss to Florida.
Fifty-one wins over the course of the last two seasons and a Final Four appearance in Phoenix this weekend have seemingly made most fans and media far more tolerant (and patient) of Martin’s tough-love approach towards his players.
“I find it comical that I’ve got so many new friends now," Martin said Tuesday during a Final Four preview press conference at Colonial Life Arena. “And how the stories have changed from he’s a yeller and screamer and demeaning to he’s a passionate man.”
Martin believes his sideline coaching personality has been pigeon-holed by virtue of a few video clips shown repeatedly on cable sports shows.
“I’m an open book,” Martin said. “If people want to judge me based on a 30-second clip on the sideline out of a 40-minute game out of a 24-hour day, that’s their prerogative. Anybody that wants to get to know me has that opportunity. Anyone who wants to judge me has that right. The people who sit back and do the criticizing of the people who make mistakes are declaring who they are.”
The Gamecocks have taken on – and embraced - the fiery demeanor of their coach, especially on the defensive end of the floor, where they rank among the best teams nationally.
Martin insists his players won’t be intimidated or awestruck by the sheer size of Final Fours, from the enormous stadium size (70,000 plus) to the hundreds (if not thousands) of media covering the event.
“Our guys haven’t been scared to step up onto every stage that has been put in front of them,” Martin said. “I don’t expect them to be intimidated by it. On the contrary, they are enjoying every single minute of this ride. They don’t want it to end. They are fearless in their approach every day. It’s going to awesome.”
That player targeted by Martin during the well-publicized encounter on the sidelines late in the Florida game?
Notice is still with the Gamecocks and has developed nicely into USC’s top 3-point shooter and on-ball defender on the perimeter.
Just in case you hadn’t noticed.
No pun intended.
FINAL FOUR SCHEDULE (Sat. April 1)
South Carolina vs. Gonzaga, 6:09 p.m. (CBS)
Oregon vs. North Carolina, Approx. 8:49 p.m. (CBS)
(All Times Eastern)
