Frank Martin blasts player, provides “injury update”

South Carolina forward Wildens Leveque started Saturday’s 82-71 loss against Auburn but played just two minutes overall before sitting the remainder of the game on the bench. After the final whistle, head coach Frank Martin was asked whether an injury kept the player out or a coach’s decision.

During the postgame press conference, Frank Martin was not in the mood for questions about Wildens Leveque, blasting the player and providing an injury update after hearing the question.

“Watching him play has hurt my eyes,” said Martin. “So you can say the injury is my eyesight.”

Immediately after the answer, South Carolina ended the press conference feed.

While Leveque played two minutes, he recorded no counting stats other than a foul. After falling behind 8-0 against Auburn in the first two minutes, the Gamecocks finally got on the board with a pair of Jermaine Couisnard free throws.

Wildens Leveque is a junior who has played three seasons under Frank Martin. He was averaging more than 10 points per game at one point this season but has only scored in double digits once over the past 16 games. Since scoring 16 points against Kentucky on Feb. 8, he has not scored more than six points in a game, including three scoreless outings.

Auburn celebrates after beating South Carolina

Auburn made history on Saturday, clinching the SEC regular season crown at Neville Arena. In-front of a raucous crowd in ‘The Jungle’, the Tigers came out victorious over the South Carolina Gamecocks. Now, Auburn is celebrating by cutting down the nets.

“We respect this league, and we respect our opponent,” stated Pearl, regarding the SEC. “Often times, no matter where you are — you got to come ready to play. What we do doesn’t work without great effort and energy. Our defense is the heart and soul of what we do. If we don’t fly around and make plays and make it difficult for people to run their stuff. We’re built to be a great defensive team.”

On the other hand, South Carolina guard Jermaine Couisnard did his best to quell the Tigers‘ moment. In an upset big, the Gamecocks star was tremendous, scoring 22 points in the game. Additionally, South Carolina guard James Reese V attributed 18 points to the cause, as well.

Still, it wasn’t enough to stop Bruce Pearl and Auburn from accomplishing their lofty goal. The Tigers are officially the SEC Champions for the 2021-22 season.