Frank Martin explains why Kory Holden left South Carolina basketball

Frank Martin explained Kory Holden’s decision to leave South Carolina’s basketball program by noting the obvious hurdles the junior guard’s had to face since arriving at USC.

“The last two years he’s been battling that injury thing, 18 months or so, to be exact,” the Gamecocks coach said Saturday following the 84-75 upset of No. 10 Auburn at Colonial Life Arena. “He’s in a frustrated place as an athlete. A good place as a human being, he’s in a frustrated place as an athlete because he can’t get his body to respond.”

Holden transferred from Delaware, where he scored 892 points in two years, before the 2016-17 season. Knee surgeries were part of his sit-out year. He made his garnet and black debut last November, but suffered a hamstring strain Dec. 19 at Clemson. He missed the next 11 games.

Over 14 appearances this season, Holden averaged 3.4 points. He dressed for the Tennessee game on Tuesday, but didn’t play.

USC announced Holden’s departure before Saturday’s tip-off with the Tigers.

“He’s catching his breath right now,” Martin said.

This story was originally published February 17, 2018 at 7:32 PM with the headline "Frank Martin explains why Kory Holden left South Carolina basketball."