Frank Martin gets emotional after South Carolina’s Final Four loss (Video)

South Carolina head coach Frank Martin was emotional in his press conference following his team’s Final Four loss to Gonzaga

Once upon a time, Frank Martin was more infamous than famous among college basketball fans. Known for his fiery temper and explosive outbursts, he was always sure to at least spark a conversation—be it positive or negative. However, throughout South Carolina’s run to the Final Four with Martin at the helm, the narrative has changed.

Sure, Martin has still yelled and been prone to his usual bouts of anger. But he’s also shown a more poignant side and a deep admiration for his team along their cinderella run. That may never have been more evident, though, than after their Final Four loss to the Gonzaga Bulldogs on Saturday night.

The Gamecocks fought back from a nine-point halftime deficit to tie it up with just minutes left in the game. Unfortunately for them, they were unable to come up with key defensive plays or clutch offensive possessions. Thus, the Bulldogs were able to pull away—if only slightly—to get the win.

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After the game while talking to the press, though, Martin broke down. The head coach got quite emotional when talking about his team and the impact that their cinderella run had on the community in Columbia, SC and on everyone:

Whether you’re a South Carolina or Frank Martin fan or not, it’s hard not to get emotional as well when you see a coach talk about his players with that type of respect.

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There’s always a special bond between players and coaches. With that said, there’s levels to everything. And it’s pretty clear that the relationship that Martin has with this South Carolina team is well beyond what many other programs experience.