Frank Martin was introduced as the men's basketball coach Tuesday afternoon, following board of trustee approval of his six-year contract.
Martin's contract will pay him $1.9 million in his first season, $2 million the next season, and then $2.1 million for every next season, with incentives built in for how well the team plays and how many tickets are sold.
A source confirmed to The Daily Gamecock that the former Kansas State coach had interviewed for the position in Columbia last week.
In response to a blog report that a press conference announcing his hiring at South Carolina was scheduled for last Saturday, Martin texted several national basketball writers and K-State beat writers that he had not talked to anyone, but when appearing on CBS Saturday as a studio analyst, Martin did not directly deny any connection to USC.
A Saturday press conference would not have been feasible because Hyman was leaving for Fresno, Calif. to support the women’s basketball team in the Sweet 16, while Martin was scheduled to appear on CBS in New York.
“In the age of social media that we live in right now, it’s crazy,” Martin said on CBS. “I was scheduled to be at a press conference today in South Carolina and I was sitting watching a show in New York City last night. And obviously I’m sitting here with you guys today ... The stuff that gets out these days, I look at it as a compliment that we’re doing our job the right way at Kansas State that these sort of things get out.”
Martin led the Wildcats to the NCAA Tournament, where they fell to Syracuse in the second round. In his five years at Kansas State, Martin has made the NCAA Tournament four times.
On CBS, he voiced his displeasure that KSU starter Jamar Samuels was suspended against Syracuse after he received money from an old AAU coach. The decision to suspend Samuels was not Martin’s, but one from university administration, which added to the speculation that Martin might be looking to coach elsewhere next season.
In his press conference, Martin said the situation with Samuels and his relationship with K-State's athletic director had nothing to do with his decision to take the position at South Carolina.
The Gamecocks finished the season at a program-worst mark of 10-21, but lost just one senior; however, Martin could see at least one player transfer. A source close to sophomore forward Damontre Harris said the All-SEC defensive team selection has openly contemplated transferring. Harris finished the season leading the team in blocks and rebounds.
Hyman said he told the players that he would support any decision they make, but only after a new coach is hired and they have a chance to meet him. Martin could also lose point guard Bruce Ellington, who might make a return to football after originally announcing a commitment to basketball prior to Horn’s firing.