Former WVU Assistant Erik Martin Picks Up First Win as Head Coach at SC State

Former long-time West Virginia assistant Erik Martin recorded his first win as the head coach for South Carolina State on Tuesday night. Martin’s Bulldogs upset East Carolina on the road 73-68. This marks Martin’s first head coaching win at the D-I level.

Thanks to my staff, and team for getting me my 1st W….and thanks to the good Lord for giving me this opportunity 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/cJ7MMofbfg

— Erik Martin (@HCEmartinSCSU) November 30, 2022

SC State has struggled to start the season but has had close games with South Carolina and North Florida.

Martin spent 15 seasons at West Virginia under Huggins. During his time under Huggins, Martin helped coach the Mountaineers to 10 NCAA Tournament appearances, 4-Sweet 16’s and a Final Four appearance in 2010. Before coming to WVU, Martin played under Huggins at Cincinnati from 1991-93 and coached with him at Kansas State from 2006-07.

WVU head coach Bob Huggins referred Martin for the open job, connecting him with the right person at South Carolina State. SCSU took three months to hire their next men’s basketball coach but they wanted to make sure it was the right hire.

“I’m so excited to be the next head coach at South Carolina State. It has always been my dream to lead a Division I program as well as guide young men on and off the court as they prepare to graduate and move on to the next phase of their lives,” Martin said back in July.