Frank Martin, USC offer instate point guard for 2017

South Carolina basketball coach Frank Martin is leaving the country Saturday to take his team to Costa Rica. Before leaving Columbia he had to take care of some recruiting business Thursday.

Martin met with Crestwood point guard Ja Morant for about two hours early Thursday evening and gave him an offer, his first offer from a major conference program.

“It’s an honor, my first high major offer,” Morant said. “They like they way I play, my ability to score and my hustle and drive. I can see them as a good fit for me coaching wise and letting me play.”

Morant also has offers from Murray State, Duquesne, SC State, Wofford, Maryland Eastern-Shore, High Point and UNC-Asheville. He’s looking for more major schools to step up with offers, and this first one from USC gives him something to compare with future ones.

“It’s allowing me to see where I need to be making the decision,” Morant said. “The best fit, just something to compare. I really don’t have a favorite at this point.”

Morant has not set any official visits but he feels USC, Murray State and Wofford will be three. He plans to sign in November.