Frank Martin takes patient approach with young Wildcats

MANHATTAN, Kan. - Believe it or not, we are witnessing a calmer Frank Martin this season. Seriously. Just ask K-State senior Jamar Samuels.

"He doesn't really yell like that any more. It's kind of scary."

Martin's intensity level has not changed in his fifth season as the head coach at Kansas State. He is just altering his approach a bit.

"Patience has been the key. That has been the main word with me on coaching and handling things this year."

The Wildcats have nine players averaging at least 10 minutes per game. Five of those nine are freshmen or sophomores. So, Martin has hearkened back to his days as a junior varsity coach.

"The younger you get them the more time you have got to spend teaching, especially teaching the fundamentals."

Martin has been particularly patient with his freshmen. Angel Rodriguez, Thomas Gipson and Adrian Diaz may ultimately decide how well this team performs down the stretch.

"All three of them play major minutes and all three of them have contributed in major ways when we have played our best basketball."

The Kansas State players make it clear that Martin has not gone soft. The fiery attitude is still clearly visible on the sidelines. Still, Rodney McGruder says there has been a noticeable difference.

"My freshman year I just got an earful all day. He has a lot of patience with these new guys and things like that, just coaching them and not getting overwhelmed as he did when I was young."

This group has tried Martin's patience at times, but he thinks the approaching is paying dividends.

"I'm happy with where we are at."

For now, Martin is content with the progress and patiently waiting to see more.