South Carolina was the underdog throughout this NCAA tournament. Now, it’s off to the program’s first Final Four after beating Florida, 77-70, in Sunday’s Elite Eight.
The school hired Frank Martin from Kansas State back in 2012, and he was tasked with taking over a bottom-feeding program in the SEC. Five years later, the Gamecocks are two wins away from a national title, and Martin had to fight back the emotions. After the win, he delivered a heartfelt interview to CBS Sports’ Allie LaForce.
He said:
“It’s all these guys. They’ve been with us for a while. They believe in each other. They put up with me and go out and do it better the next day. They’ve got the courage of a lion.”
Martin continued:
“My family was right there. Our fans. I wouldn’t be here today — I’ve got unbelievable people in my life. It starts with my beautiful wife, my children, my mother, my uncle. I’m the luckiest human being in the world. God continues to put incredible people in my life.”
South Carolina will face No. 1 seed Gonzaga at the Final Four in Phoenix.
