‘Do what’s right or do what’s selfish?’ Martin, USC could end annual D-II game

[FeatheredCock]

‘Do what’s right or do what’s selfish?’ Martin, USC could end annual D-II game

May 30, 2019, | THE STATE

A holiday season tradition under Frank Martin might be coming to an end.

Speaking to The State’s Josh Kendall this week at SEC meetings in Destin, Florida, the South Carolina basketball coach said the Gamecocks are exploring the possibility of no longer playing an in-state Division II opponent. The reason seems to be connected to recent postseason shortcomings.

USC’s 5-0 run against Coker, Francis Marion, Lander, Limestone and North Greenville the last five years — all played around Christmas time — didn’t count toward Carolina’s NCAA tournament or NIT résumé because those selection committees don’t acknowledge wins over D-II foes. (CLICK TO VIEW)

 

[doublea1971]

It makes me sick to my stomach that Coach Martin is even having to listen to that garbage of an idea.  As a graduate of a small school, I am excited to see a coach who wants to keep playing these teams, AND is committed to playing in-state small schools, so that they get a payday AND the exposure their programs deserve.

The athletic department should be ashamed of themselves.  I hope the USC community as a whole will give them an earful.  Post-season play is important (and should ALWAYS be a priority, mind you), but so is good community relations and PR. 

 

[ShepCock]

I see your point, but there are plenty of small schools that would count toward our record: Citadel, Furman, SC State, etc.

We would likely have made it to postseason last year had we played a low D-1 versus a D-2.

 

[ConwayGamecock]

When a program struggles, the lowest common denomination will always be looked at first as a culprit. It's just one game, however - we went 15-16, minus North Greenville. If we had gone 16-16 without playing a Div. II, I doubt the fanbase would have been much more happier about it. Let's just go say, 20-11 without the DII win, and no one will even remember that we played a game against a DII opponent....

 

[ShepCock]

When a program struggles, the lowest common denomination will always be looked at first as a culprit

In my case, I haven't EVER really liked playing D2 teams except as an exhibition game.

That opinion is formed independent of whether our program struggling or not.