Baker's Dozen: Q&A with Kansas State head basketball coach Frank Martin
In two years at the helm of the Kansas State Wildcat program, Frank Martin has produced two post season appearances. In his first year he produced an NCAA participant for the first time in over a decade. Then after losing Michael Beasley to the NBA he took a young team into post season play once again. His 43 wins in his first two years are the second most next to Lon Kruger and he is one of only two head coaches to go to post season play in his first two years. With another top 20 recruiting class coming in next season Coach Martin and the Wildcats are primed for another post season run. First, however he has put on his chef’s hat to take part in the Baker’s Dozen.
1. What is your favorite song?
Just the 2 of Us by Will Smith and My Way by Frank Sinatra (now that’s eclectic)
2. What is your favorite movie?
The Godfather Series
3. Who would play you in a movie and why?
Robert DeNiro because of the roles he has played mirrored some of my steps in my life.
4. Who was the biggest influence in your life?
Mother
5. Why did you go into coaching?
When I got hurt and couldn’t play anymore my high school coach, Shakey Rodriguez suggested I come back and help him out coaching.
6. What activity would we find you doing away from basketball?
Spending time with my three kids
7. If you weren’t coaching what would you be doing?
I would be teaching math.
8. What is the favorite name of a play?
5 Play
9. What would your birthday dinner consist of?
Blackened mahi mahi with white rice and fried green plantains
10. If you were named the Czar of the NCAA, what rule would you change?
Change the NBA draft rule to the same as baseball. Option to go out of high school or you must stay for three years. (I couldn’t agree more. Hope the NBA player’s association will reconsider.)
11. What was your first coaching mistake?
In 1985 as a JV coach I played a guy who cut class.
12. What was your first coaching success?
My 2nd year as a JV coach we went undefeated and won the county championship.
13. What is your biggest superstition?
I am very meticulous with the order that I get dressed in the lockerroom before a game.
Coach Martin has the Wildcats clawing every game and with a maturing team impacted by some outstanding recruits look for them to continue the climb in the Big 12. Thanks for taking part in the Baker’s Dozen.