Martin eager to take on South Carolina challenge

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Frank Martin says he’s ready to take on the difficult task of turning last-place South Carolina into winners.

Martin was introduced Tuesday as the Gamecocks new coach, leaving Kansas State after four NCAA tournament appearances in five years.

Martin says while “some people run away from challenges,” he runs to them, “I always have.”

South Carolina has been to the NCAA just once since 1998, but the Gamecocks gave Martin plenty of time to turns things turnaround.

He was given a six-year, $12.3 million deal.

Martin was 117-54 in five years with the Wildcats. They reached the NCAA regional finals in 2010 and lost to Syracuse in the third round this season.