Frank Martin is reported to have agreed in principle to become the next coach of USCs Men's Basketball Program. Say what you will about the Gamecocks, but this is a gutsy hire. I currently live in Big 12 country and it is routine when K-State Games are televised to have a camera solely focused on Martin. He is a fiery coach who some might consider to be on the edge when it comes to physicality with his own players. I typically don't have a problem with him getting the attention of one of his players to coach them. There is a difference between what was reported to have happened to Adam James (which I don't believe) and what Frank Martin does. It is a fine line, but there is a difference. More after the jump...

Frank Martin is a winner. I first thought he only won with Bob Huggins leftover talent at K-State, but he proved me wrong with a trip to the 3rd Round this year. Getting players and winning at K-State is tough and, if he runs a clean program (there are reports that one of his star players had to sit out K-State's final games due to eligibility concerns not stemming from grades), I am going to give him credit as a decent coach. His analysis on CBS over the weekend was insightful and he clearly could break a game down. Like I said before, this is a gutsy hire by USC; but one that could pay dividends. Our games with USC in the future are going to be battles and I feel Martin's style of play can counteract more athletic teams in the SEC like Alabama, Florida, and Kentucky. Say what you will about USC, but their last two hires of their major sports teams have been coaches who have had success before they were head coaches for the Gamecocks. This limits growing pains, increases expectations (rightfully so), and sends a message to the fan base that the school wants to win. I'm glad I'm not a Cock, but damn, at least one school in the state gets how to hire coaches.