Coach Martin sees improvement for South Carolina

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina coach Frank Martin believes this season is already off to a better start than his first two struggling basketball campaigns with the Gamecocks.

Martin’s team opened fall camp Monday. And while Martin dealt with mostly college newcomers the past two seasons, he sees an experienced group well-versed in what he expects on and off the court.

The coach said he’s got a handle on what his returning talent can do and that gives him confidence things are turning around. It has certainly been a struggle for Martin and the Gamecocks, who have gone 28-38 overall and 9-27 in the Southeastern Conference his first two seasons.

But Martin said his players have put in the work this offseason to improve and hope to see that unfold this winter.