South Carolina’s coaching quest continues as gamcocks look to replace the burnout Frank Martin. Sean Miller accepted Xavier’s job Saturday meanwhile Dennis Gates went to the SEC enemy Missouri, two reported candidates to take Carolina off the board. Athletic Director Ray Tanner must now move further down its list while Gamecocks fans wonder where they stand as all the other open SEC jobs without LSU have filled their opening hours.
Among the possible candidates remaining, per Charlotte Observer: Murray State Coach Matt McMahonChattanooga Trainer Lamont ParisFurman Coach Bob Richey and Wake Forest Assistant BJ McKie, a former player in South Carolina. The Observer reports that Carolina is expected to make a lease sometime this week.
The Gamcocks come from an 18-13 season with a 9-9 record in the SEC, but the program, which has been plateauing in recent years under Martin and subpar computer numbers, has kept Carolina out of the NIT this season, while Conference opponents Mississippi State and Vanderbilt – both with worse league records – took it in stride. Even if the Gamcocks should return an athletic, defensive-oriented roster, the new coach must improve Carolina’s skill level to restart the program and return to the NCAA Tournament.
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Miller would have been an interesting location for the Gamcocks. The former Arizona and Xavier coach is a proven winner who has built several elite teams with the Wildcats, but also found himself at the crossroads of an NCAA investigation. Meanwhile, Gates was a candidate for several high-major jobs this offseason after leading Cleveland State to the NIT.
McMahon and Paris both saw their seasons this weekend with losses against Saint Peter and Illinois in the NCAA Tournament. Thus, the search for gamecocks can proceed at full speed.
After Martin was fired last week, Tanner emphasized in a press release the high expectations he had for the South Carolina men’s basketball program.
“After a thorough evaluation of our men’s basketball program, we decided to make a change,” Tanner said in a statement. “We are grateful for the commitment that coach Martin has made to Gamecock basketball. We wish him and his family nothing but the best in the future.”
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“Our expectation is to compete in the Southeastern Conference and the National Championship,” Tanner continued. “We have great facilities, a passionate fan base and we offer our student-athletes an exceptional experience at the University of South Carolina. Excellence in everything. Areas of student-athletic experience. “
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