Frank Martin makes case for SEC as top basketball conference in nation

Frank Martin has returned South Carolina to a respectable program this season. However, the bounce-back season from the Gamecocks has been overshadowed in the ultra-competitive SEC.

In an appearance on The Paul Finebaum Show, Martin made the case for the SEC as the top basketball conference in the nation.

“We’ve got 18 wins. We’re .500 in the hardest conference in the country. You have those same numbers — 18-19 overall wins, .500 — in some of the other leagues in the country, those teams are celebrated,” stated Martin. “I think there’s a group of us in this league — we all finished 9-9 — that have all had really good years, yet for whatever reason, isn’t viewed the same way. That’s a little disappointing. But it is what it is.

“I just struggle to believe that our No. 6 team is predicted to be a 5-seed in the NCAA Tournament, and the next team doesn’t belong in the NCAA Tournament. I really struggle with that thought process.”

Moreover, Martin stated that he believes the SEC is simply a different animal compared to some other conference.

“I said it a couple weeks ago — most leagues have a top and a bottom. This league has a top, I think no one can argue that. But there’s no bottom,” stated Martin. “Once you get past the top three, four teams in this league, the rest of us are kind of once in the same. Every one of us have played one possession games against each other. Some of us were able to win nine, some won seven, some win six. That’s how difficult this league has become.”

Frank Martin and South Carolina will have a chance to put themselves on the map during the SEC Tournament. Their first contest takes place on Thursday, a showdown with the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

Frank Martin on what changed for South Carolina this season

Frank Martin led South Carolina to a tremendous bounce-back season over 2021-22. After a tough 6-15 season last year, the Gamecocks are 18-12 — and ready to make an impact at the SEC Tournament.

So, what changed for South Carolina this season? In an appearance on The Paul Finebaum Show, Martin gave two reasons for the turnaround from the Gamecocks.

“No. 1, my health was good. So, I was able to do my job. I don’t know too many people who’s health is compromised and they still have the ability to go in and work, and give the energy that you got to give people to lead. My health was good this year,” stated Martin. “No. 2, we got a group of returning guys. That believe in who we are. Continue to fight for who we’ve been for the first eight years I was here. We’ve had some great transfers come in, and give us added personality and belief in what we wanted to do as a team. And those kids have been incredible.

“Last year was really difficult. It was really difficult for me personally because of my health, and it was really difficult for me professionally because of the lack of success. I’ve never been around that before. But, it is what it is. I didn’t use that as a year to pout, moan, blame, point.”

As you can see, Frank Martin believes South Carolina is set up for success. In the SEC Tournament and beyond, the Gamecocks could shock some people this March.