It’s interesting to wonder what prompted Kansas State basketball coach Frank Martin to walk away from his successful program in Manhattan to take over an underperforming program in South Carolina.

There are reports of a rift between Martin and K-State’s athletic director, John Currie, but KSU, as expected, denies that differences between the AD and the coach triggered Martin’s departure. Maybe this is a case of splitting hairs because it seems reasonable that if there were “differences,” it would be a good reason for Martin to look elsewhere.

Also, he received a significant bump in his paycheck.

It is unfortunate Martin is leaving because he did a good job for K-State. He brought fire, excitement, enthusiasm and sustained success to what once was a powerful program. For the good of the Big 12, it is hoped Kansas State officials will attract a top-flight, high-class coach into Bramlage Coliseum.

One more thought. Could it be Martin realized as long as Bill Self remains as coach of the KU Jayhawks, he and K-State would remain the No. 2 program in the state? And with Wichita State’s Gregg Marshall announcing he intends to remain as the Shockers’ coach he and the KSU program could slip to No. 3.

Martin is a competitor, and maybe his move to South Carolina offers him an opportunity to make the Gamecocks No. 1 in the state.

Regardless, he will be missed by many in Kansas.