Martin likes South Carolina’s improved ethic

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina men’s basketball coach Frank Martin says his players now have a much better understanding of what it will take to end a run of five straight losing seasons.

A year ago, several Gamecocks were not on campus working out. Spin forward and all but one of the players on next season’s roster are spending their summer in school and working out with teammates.

Martin said Wednesday that’s a strong sign players want to start winning as much as he does.

South Carolina has gone 14-18 and 14-20 in Martin’s first two seasons after ending Darrin Horn’s coaching tenure with three straight losing years.

Martin says it took time to instill the don’t-back-down attitudes he wants from players. But he’s seen that building since the end of last season.