I like Frank Martin.
I think the demanding and terrifyingly intense manner in which he coaches is valuable in college basketball today. While I, personally, would probably soil myself if forced to come face-to-glare with Martin after I committed a turnover or missed a defensive rotation, I find his facial expressions quite amusing with the buffer of a TV screen.
I also absolutely love his devotion to his players. He was brought to tears talking about what happened with Jamar Samuels -- his disagreement with the AD’s decision to suspend Samuels for his final collegiate game was ultimately a major factor in his decision to leave Kansas State -- in the press conference after the game. While I didn’t agree with his sentiment after Kansas State’s loss to Wisconsin in the 2011 NCAA tournament, I loved that he had a crying Jacob Pullen’s back.
One thing I cannot get on board with, however: Martin’s love for Pitbull:
Does he mean he wants his players to punch fans in the face? Or that he wants them promote any and every beverage imaginable?
All kidding aside, it is probably a good thing that Martin is in touch enough with today’s music to know who Pitbull is. I wonder who else he listens to? Does he make his players Spotify playlists for workouts? Did he cop the Nas’ new album or the new Childish Gambino mixtape? I wonder who he sides with in the Young Money, Cash Money vs. G.O.O.D Music beef?
For what it’s worth, I think the internet hatred for Pitbull is a little much. Yeah, he sold out, but would you do any different with that kind of money getting thrown at you? He’s also clearly a good sport, seeing as he actually went to Alaska for that promotional event.
And -- I’ll say it because it needs to be said -- Pitbull was really good back in the day. I’m not afraid to admit that. He had a couple of songs solidly within the party rotation when I was in college.
Rob Dauster is the editor of the college basketball website Ballin’ is a Habit. You can find him on twitter @robdauster.