Frank Martin explains what has changed for South Carolina this past year

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.

More on Frank Martin, SEC Tournament

Frank Martin will have a chance to prove the mettle of his Gamecocks squad on Thursday. In the 2nd Round of the SEC Tournament, South Carolina meets with Mississippi State in a highly-anticipated showdown. It’s the first game of the postseason for each program.

After each avoiding the Wednesday slate of games with a higher seed, the two teams will hope to break losing streaks which ended the regular season and keep their NCAA Tournament dreams alive.

Mississippi State comes into the game after winning just two of its last five, including a 66-56 loss on the road against South Carolina in February. The Bulldogs lost their final two regular season games against Auburn and Texas A&M but now get a rematch with South Carolina.

The Gamecocks are 3-2 with losses against Alabama and Auburn in their last five games. Despite a recent win over LSU as well, Frank Martin expressed frustration to cap the regular season.