Sept. 25, 2013

COLUMBIA, S.C. – University of South Carolina head men’s basketball coach Frank Martin announced on Wednesday, that longtime assistant coach and recruiting coordinator Matt Figger has been promoted to associate head coach for the Gamecocks’ program. Figger, who has over 20 years of coaching experience in various levels of the college ranks, will remain the recruiting coordinator as well.

“Upon losing Brad Underwood [to the head coaching position at Stephen F. Austin in April] the decision to promote Matt Figger to associate head coach was an easy one,” Martin said. “Matt has been with me from day one at Kansas State, and he is as ready as anyone can be to take on head coaching duties. I’m excited for what he brings to our program every single day, and he’ll remain responsible for the same things that he has done up to this point. I just want everyone to understand and know – players, and everyone who is around us – that Matt is ready to take on the challenge of being a head coach.”

Figger assumed duties as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at South Carolina shortly after Martin’s arrival in April 2012.

Prior to his appointment at South Carolina, Figger joined the staff at Kansas State in 2007 as an assistant coach, where he helped coach two All-Americans and numerous all-conference selections. Figger was a member of KSU’s staff during all five years of Martin’s tenure as the head coach. The program amassed an impressive 117 victories during that time, and the squad won at least 21 games each season, while finishing fifth or higher in the Big 12 each year. Kansas State advanced to four NCAA Tournament appearances and one NIT appearance while Figger was on staff.

Prior to his time at Kansas State, Figger served a brief stint as the director of operations at Arkansas (April-June 2007), which followed five seasons as an assistant coach at South Alabama for John Pelphrey (2003-07). South Alabama enjoyed some of its greatest success during Figger’s time on staff, especially the final two seasons when the team reached the NCAA Tournament and NIT, respectively. Prior to his time with the Jaguars, Figger spent 10 years as an assistant coach in the junior college ranks, including stints at Wabash Valley (Ill.) (1993-94), Vincennes (1994-99) and Odessa (Texas) College (2000-02). At the junior college level, his teams won 20 or more games eight times, captured six region and four district titles and advanced to the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) national tournament four times.

South Carolina begins practice for the 2013-14 campaign on Monday, Sept. 30, with a morning practice session at Colonial Life Arena. Continue to visit GamecocksOnline.com for updates throughout the preseason.