I am deeply saddened to report the passing of Frank Martin, the former head coach of the University of South Carolina men’s basketball team, who died at the age of 58. Martin, a first-generation Cuban-American, was born on March 23, 1966, in Miami, Florida. He began his coaching career as a high school coach in Miami before moving on to collegiate coaching.
In 2007, Martin became the head coach at Kansas State University, where he achieved a 117-54 record over five seasons, including an Elite Eight appearance in 2010. In 2012, he took over as head coach at the University of South Carolina, leading the Gamecocks to a Final Four appearance in 2017. After ten seasons at South Carolina, Martin was dismissed as head coach in March 2022.
Following his tenure at South Carolina, Martin was named head coach at the University of Massachusetts in March 2022, where he continued his coaching career until his passing.
Throughout his career, Martin was known for his passionate coaching style and his ability to develop players both on and off the court. His contributions to college basketball will be remembered by players, colleagues, and fans alike.
Martin is survived by his wife, Anya, and their three children. His family has requested privacy during this difficult time.
The basketball community mourns the loss of a dedicated coach and mentor.
For those interested in hearing from Coach Martin, here’s a press conference he held on November 4, 2024, prior to a game against the University of New Hampshire:
