Four years ago when men’s basketball recruits saw an 803 area code on an incoming phone call, they were excited to think Frank Martin was calling. Today, the Gamecocks head coach says that has transitioned to, ‘Look, South Carolina is calling.’

“I don't speak about myself very often, but our first year people would take our calls because of my name,” Martin said at SEC Media Days on Wednesday. “After that first phone call we wouldn’t get anywhere else. Now they’re taking the phone call because of South Carolina.”

The profile of South Carolina basketball is continuing to trend upward and Martin’s team is getting more talented players because of it. Last year, PJ Dozier and Chris Silva were ranked Top 150 players. Dozier was first McDonald’s All-American to attend South Carolina since 2000. Sedee Keita this year was a Top 150 player.

Even in coming up short with top recruits like Seventh Woods and Devontae Shuler, the Gamecocks were in their top five coming down the final stretch.

“That’s the biggest difference. Now they are paying attention to our program and you can get into deeper conversations, you can actually build a relationship and figure out a way to get good players,” Martin said.

The success on the court has produced success over the phone, in living rooms and on visits to campus.

Coming off one of the best seasons in program history, Martin will look to lead another barrier-breaking season with perhaps his best mix of talent and experience.

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