South Carolina men's basketball coach Frank Martin usually addresses the media alone. Players will often share the podium, but Martin typically gets his own island during press conferences. That's just how it works.
To preview South Carolina's Jan. 14 victory over Ole Miss, Martin saw the opportunity to make a worthwhile exception — sharing the podium not with one of his players, but instead with one of their contemporaries who excels outside of the world of athletics. Martin was joined by South Carolina's Rhodes Scholar Jory Fleming, the university's first winner in the past 16 years.
Martin and Fleming were also joined by Daisy, Fleming's English labrador. Fleming was diagnosed with autism at age five, and Daisy has been his service dog during his time at South Carolina. She helps him handle a genetic condition and when he gets fatigued or stressed.
Daisy sat quietly during the press conference, her body resting under the podium. Players, coaches and reporters alike should take notice of her flawless press conference etiquette.
Daisy has not only made it possible for Fleming to excel at South Carolina, enabling him to become the most decorated fellowship scholar in South Carolina's history, she has also made it possible for him to become one of the most devoted supporters of Martin's program during his time at the university.
"He might be our most loyal basketball fan we've had since I've been here," Martin said. "I don't think a game goes by when I don't see him with out there with us. And we had some lean moments when I first got here."
"A few years ago I did notice the student body wasn't as excited about basketball," Fleming said. "But that's changed."
"I think that is a result of coach's investment in the team and the player's buy-in," Fleming said.
Fleming was designated as the honorary co-captain in South Carolina's 67-56 victory over Ole Miss that improved the team to 4-0 in SEC play.
During halftime, Fleming was honored by the South Carolina Athletics Department, fittingly accompanied by Daisy. On center court he was flanked by athletics director Ray Tanner, university president Harris Pastides and football coach Will Muschamp, who presented Fleming with a framed basketball jersey and a signed football helmet.
"We provide the field and the court and the athletic venues to promote our athletes a lot," Martin said. "And because they score 21 points in a game, or whatever, they get to sit here and visit with you. They get to go on a court in front of 17,000 people."
"They've earned the right for those moments," Martin said. "But what a great opportunity to provide a young man like him that's accomplished so much at such a young age the same platform."
Having Fleming join the team was a chance for Martin and the Athletics Department to recognize Fleming's achievement, but it also was a potential teaching moment for Martin's team.
Martin cited Fleming's optimism and perseverance to overcome his limitations as something he hoped his players would latch on to after meeting Fleming.
"He's an inspiration," Martin said. "Standing next to him right before the national anthem, and seeing that smile on his face ear-to-ear, I think that's a moment that hopefully sticks with him for a very long time, and very deservedly so for his great accomplishments."
Fleming, a fourth-year student with a double major in geography and marine science, watched the Gamecocks go just 5-13 in SEC play during his freshman year. Martin and the Gamecocks will look to preserve their undefeated start in the conference and match that win total when they host Florida on Jan. 18.