Esh Group Eagles Newcastle have released their second import signing for the 2015/16 season and once again it is a familiar fact to The BBL and more importantly the fans on Tyneside.
The Indiana native who graduated from the prestigious Notre Dame Fighting Irish et-up first came to British shores as a rookie professional in 2013/14 and following a great first season was snapped up by The Eagles for his second season last campaign when he added four major trophies to his resume.
A real coaches’ player he averaged 14.2 pts and 7.3 rebounds per game as well as shooting over 41% from beyond the three point line. All impressive stats which earned him a starting place in the All-BBL Defensive Team as well as a place on the bench in The BBL Team of the Year.
Many thought that Martin after two very impressive years in The BBL may well be destined for Europe and a more lucrative calling but Scott himself is pragmatic and weighed the situation up before delighting all of Newcastle by returning to The Eagles for a third season.
“To be honest I did have other options I could have explored but a lot of me is happy to play where I’m comfortable and enjoy playing. I think The BBL is a great league to play in for me and the level of competition is very high.”
“I love it at Newcastle, they’re a great family and Organisation to play for and have looked after me very well and professionally in my time there. I’m really happy to be going back for my third year and excited to see everyone again.”
Words that ring true with everyone at the heart of Newcastle Eagles and ones that I’d echo back at Martin who has become a massive fans’ favourite in his two years on Tyneside as well as a massive part of their roster and system.
Head Coach Fab Flournoy is a big fan of Martin, what he brings to the table and how he fits in to his system and roster.
“What can I say, Scott Martin is Scott Martin. Sometimes I don’t think he realises how good he is and what a special player he can be. He’s very unselfish and always puts the team first. He can dominate when needed and play his role when needed.”
“He’s a great guy to coach, always listens, always gives you 100% and has a great basketball brain. When I’m going at the guys I’ll tell this one I need him to score more, that one I need more rebounds from, another may need to tighten up defensively with Scott its always the same, I just tell him to be Scott Martin.”
There’s no doubting that Martin has probably one of the most consistent performers in The BBL over the past couple of seasons and bounced back dramatically well from severe injuries in college.
At 6′ 8” and with a great outside shot he’s a threat everywhere on offence and as a defender almost always draws the toughest assignment from the opposition’s arsenal. He just goes about his business on a game to game business and often at the end of 40 minutes it’s his stats that surprises the opposition and is the x-factor in The Eagles success.
