COLUMBIA, S.C. — Frank Martin has agreed to become South Carolina’s next men’s basketball coach, said people familiar with the decision.
The people spoke to The Associated Press on Monday on condition of anonymity because the school had not announced the hiring. The university’s board of trustees is scheduled to meet today to discuss a contract matter.
Martin will replace Darrin Horn, who was fired two weeks ago after going 60-63 over four seasons. The Gamecocks finished last in the SEC last year.
Martin is leaving Kansas State, which he led to the NCAA Tournament four of the past five seasons. The Wildcats reached the regional finals in 2010. His overall record as a head coach is 117-54 and he is 6-4 in the NCAA Tournament.
The Gamecocks have been to the NCAA Tournament just once since 1998. They finished this season 10-21 and 2-14 in the SEC.
The team’s record got progressively worse during Horn’s four years. Their top player, point guard Bruce Ellington, originally promised to only play basketball next season, but after Horn was fired, he started football spring practice. Several other players could consider transfers as Martin’s intense coaching style is a stark contrast from Horn’s more laid back approach.
Martin has not publicly commented about the South Carolina job or why he might want to leave Kansas State at this time.
A potential salary for Martin has not been disclosed. He made around $1.1 million at Kansas State, and South Carolina Athletic Director Eric Hyman said when he fired Horn that the Gamecocks were willing to pay their next coach a competitive salary. The school also will owe Horn a $2.4 million buyout.
Horn was hired from Western Kentucky after leading the Hilltoppers to the round of 16 in 2008. His first team at South Carolina went 21-10 and 10-6 in the SEC, winning the Eastern Division. But it wasn’t enough to get the team’s first NCAA Tournament bid since 2004. The Gamecocks have lost 24 of their past 27 SEC games.
MURRAY STATE
Prohm gets extension
Murray State and Steve Prohm agreed to a one-year contract extension and a pay raise Monday after the Racers completed the most successful season in their school’s history.
“It feels great,” Prohm wrote in a text message to The Associated Press. “Ready to get back to work after the Final [Four].”
Murray State says that Prohm’s base salary will be increased from $195,000 to $270,000 and his radio and TV contracts push his total compensation to $300,000, not including incentives. The new deal runs through the 2015-2016 season.
“It’s extraordinary to say, considering we have such a tradition-rich program, but there were a number of ‘firsts’ for Murray State basketball this season under Coach Prohm’s leadership,” Murray State Athletic Director Allen Ward said in a statement. “And this contract with Steve is also a ‘first’ for our program.”
Ward said the school will use the boost in ticket sales from the season and the revenue from the NCAA Tournament victory.
DUKE
Rivers entering draft
DURHAM, N.C. - Austin Rivers is leaving Duke after one season for the NBA Draft.
The freshman guard announced his decision and planned to hire an agent Monday after team officials said he spent the weekend discussing his future plans with his family at their home outside Orlando, Fla.
“Duke has prepared me for the challenges that are ahead both on and off the court,” Rivers said in a statement issued by the school. “I have learned so much from the coaching staff and my teammates that will help me succeed at the next level.”
The son of Boston Celtics Coach Doc Rivers averaged a team-leading 15.5 points and was a unanimous selection as the Atlantic Coast Conference’s rookie of the year. He’s just the third Duke freshman to lead the team in scoring after Johnny Dawkins in 1983 and Bill Sapp in 1945.
“Austin had a terrific year as a freshman and has put himself in a position to pursue his dream of being a great player in the NBA,” Duke Coach Mike Krzyzewski said, adding that he supports the decision. “We look forward to watching him continue to develop and excel at the next level.”
MISSISSIPPI STATE
Sidney to turn pro
STARKVILLE, Miss. - Mississippi State forward Renardo Sidney has signed with an agent and will declare for the NBA Draft.
The 6-10 junior from Jackson, Miss., averaged 11.5 points and 6.1 rebounds per game over two seasons with the Bulldogs. He battled eligibility problems early in his career, and occasionally had discipline issues, including a fight with a teammate in the stands during a tournament in Hawaii.
In a statement from the school, Sidney says he appreciates “Mississippi State giving me an opportunity to play,” but wants to follow his “dream of playing in the NBA.”
Sidney averaged 14.2 points and 7.6 points during his sophomore season, but his production dipped as a junior. He averaged 9.7 points and 5.2 rebounds per game last year, helping the Bulldogs to a 21-12 record.
Men’s Final Four NATIONAL SEMIFINALS SATURDAY At The Superdome, New Orleans All times Central Kentucky (36-2) vs. Louisville (30-9), 5:09 p.m., CBS Ohio State (31-7) vs. Kansas (31-6), 7:49 p.m., CBS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP MONDAY, APRIL 2 At The Superdome, New Orleans Semifinal winners, 8 p.m., CBS
Sports, Pages 18 on 03/27/2012