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South Carolina basketball: Is Frank Martin to blame for the team’s struggles?

By Jacob Elsey

Jan 2, 2021; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Frank Martin directs his team against the Florida A&M Rattlers in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2021; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Frank Martin directs his team against the Florida A&M Rattlers in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 6, 2021; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Frank Martin talks with forward Jalyn McCreary (4) during the first half against the Texas A&M Aggies at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports /

Verdict

Martin is not to blame for this season’s struggles. It’s impossible to believe that even the nation’s top coaches (which we believe Martin is) would thrive with the issues that have overtaken the Gamecocks.

Fatigue and lack of practice time are to blame, and this year should not be held against Martin, nor any other coach dealing with these concerns. Just look at the struggles at top tier programs like Duke, Kentucky, and North Carolina. Fans can look to the lack of postseason success if they still feel the need to criticize Martin, but the 2020-21 season is not the hill for those folks to die on.

Many, if not all of these players will be back next year. If Martin’s team plays subpar under normal circumstances, maybe then we can bring out the pitchforks.

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