Move over Rover, there’s a new coach in town, and he means business. Frank Martin was named USC’s men’s basketball head coach on March 27, 2012, leading the team into their 105th season as a varsity sport. For the past five seasons, he’s managed to lead the Kansas State University Wildcats to the NCAA tournament four times, with a current overall winning record for the season. He’s hoping to lead the Gamecocks in the same direction.
G&B: Because of your credentials, many people are excited to have you coach the Gamecocks this year. Does it make you nervous knowing that people are watching your every move?
Coach Martin: I’m never nervous about that. But every year that goes by makes me understand that because of my job title, every decision, every reaction, every step I take is being watched. It makes me accept that responsibility because it shows me just how important it is that I set a good example for as many people as I can. I’ve got a greater role than just winning basketball games. I’ve got a role where I’ve got to impact the community, society and young people in a positive way.
G&B: You talk a lot about the team in many of your press conferences and interviews, how have you made an effort to get to know the players?
Coach Martin: You have to communicate with them. You have to let them get to know you first. I’m the new guy around here; most players have been here before. They understand this better than I did when I got here. For them to be able to open up and accept me, I have to let them understand what I’m about. The beauty of sports is that the season throws some difficult emotions into your relationship [and] those difficult emotions are the ones that allow you to fully understand people because you’re not just going through everything that’s good and great.
G&B: As a coach, what inspires you about the team?
Coach Martin: The same thing every year, whether it’s been in the classroom when I was a teacher or on the court with basketball as my teaching tool. It’s watching young people that want to achieve; young people that are fearless and that want to take advantage of every opportunity to grow.
G&B: Are there future goals or plans that you have in regards to team?
Coach Martin: I’m always trying to evolve as a teacher. To figure out different ways to reach people, to expect a lot out of young people because if I don’t do that every day then I’m cheating them, and that’s not fair to them. I try to keep my thoughts always in that direction to make sure I hold myself to those standards and challenge myself every day to help those young folks.
G&B: Can students expect any more free food?
Coach Martin: [laughs] If you look at the top 10, 12, 15, programs in the country, you also have the best home environments in the country, and with all due respect to the folks that pay a lot of money and make donations to schools, the student body is what gives you the building that becomes special. The student body is who determines the personality that takes place on the court during the game. I’ll do everything I can to thank those students, whether it is shirts, food, or anything I can as a way of thanking them for helping us.
G&B: Are you an iPhone or Android type of guy?
Coach Martin: I was a Blackberry guy until I got to South Carolina. I’m still learning how to use an iPhone. I’m not great with technology, but I’m learning, I’m getting better.
G&B: Do you have an inspirational quote that you revert back to?
Coach Martin: The one thing that I try to relate to our players is that a lot of times we’re taught that life’s not fair, and I think it’s the complete opposite. I think life is fair because we all get 24 hours every day to do with it as we choose, and if we want to walk around and feel sorry for ourselves, then we can’t fault anybody for our inabilities, lack of success or for not being able to move forward. I try to live life by that one [quote] and understand every day that the good Lord allows me to wake up regardless of how good or bad things feel – I’ve got focus on the opportunity I have to make today better than yesterday.
G&B: Before this season is over, what do you want students to know about you as a coach?
Coach Martin: I love people, and I’ve got tremendous passion for people. Some of the most difficult moments for me are when we take to court, and we’ve got those seniors that have gone through the life lessons, the experiences, the negative, the positive, and the raw emotion that 4 years of college brings to you. I know I’m not perfect, so I don’t continue to hold people in judgment as to whether they’re perfect or not. Hopefully, one day, when the players or myself walk onto the court for the last time, we all can know we have made this a better place, a better university because of the passion we have for what we do.
