Kellis Robinett of the Wichita Eagle and Kansas City Star is reporting that a source close to Frank Martin has acknowledged that Martin has agreed in principle to become the next head coach at South Carolina.
A press conference is set for tomorrow.
Chatter had been picking up and some reports had come out that linked Martin and the Gamecocks in recent days. Here is a round-up of what has transpired in the last few hours:
- Jeff Goodman of CBSSports.com has tweeted that a deal is not yet done, but leaves the possibility open that a deal could get done today.
-Mike DeCourcy of the Sporting News is reporting that the South Carolina Board of Trustees is meeting early this week to discuss the possibility of offering Martin a contract.
-According to DeCourcy’s report, a source says no final decision has been made.
-Austin Meek of the Topeka Capital-Journal tweeted that, according to his source, a deal between South Carolina and Martin was “very, very close.”
According to reports, there seems to be a rift between Martin and Kansas State AD John Currie, which would be the main driving force behind a departure, were it to take place.
Martin has been at Kansas State for five seasons and led the Wildcats to the NCAA tournament four times.
Kansas State finished 22-11, including 10-8 in the Big 12 this year, losing to Syracuse in the Round of 32 to end their season.
Martin is historically animated and passionate on the sidelines, and, in that regard, a good fit in the SEC alongside high-profile coaches like John Calipari and Billy Donovan.
Martin was also recently in the news by speaking openly about paying former players, considering their socioeconomic standing.
“I coached 16 years in the same inner city in Miami that I grew up in. Do you know how much money I sent to kids that played for me in high school when they were in college because I knew where they came from?” he said.
Daniel Martin is a writer and editor at JohnnyJungle.com, covering St. John’s. You can find him on Twitter:@DanielJMartin_