Martin to SMU!

[LA_Mustang]

Thought I would chime in and give you a layman's view of JMart from a Xavier fan and long time alum. I have no inside information, but I live and die Xavier Bball.

First of all, Justin is anything but a thug. He seems like a great kid. He was a partial qualifier when he came to X, so he was able to practice but not play. Expectations were high as he was a top 100 recruit by many services. I don't sense he had any academic problems and X, and obviously he graduated. With the high expectations, he definitely underwhelmed everyone his first 2 seasons. He played very little his first year, alot by necessity his second year and was generally a disappointment on a down Xavier team. Some think a concussion may have contributed to his regression that season.

Secondly, I would guess 80% of fans wanted him to return after his season this year. He does disappear at times and seems to lose focus. But this year he definitely played the most consistent ball in his career. He has a very smooth release and shot. He is long and I would say above average on defense. Coach Mack was critical of him late in the season for not getting up every night for defensive assignments. Many seemed to think he would play lots of minutes at the 3 & 4 for X next year, with stiff competition for minutes coming from Blueitt coming at the 3 (a highly ranked recruit from Indiana, ironically).

He is a solid rebounder as well. He does not have great ball handling skills and I don't think anyone would want him at SG. Justin is a little quirky and not a leader. He seemed like by teammates.

Overall, I think you are getting a skilled shooter, solid defender, but a guy that can disappear at times, and appear disinterested… I think it will be important for him to fit in well and know his role, and have confidence. When he's on, it's awesome. He doesn't always play with emotion, but when he's fired up it was fun to watch (i.e. vs. UC he did awesome this year - 17 points, 5 rebounds, 3/5 from deep in a 64-47 Xavier romp).

Congrats on a great group of players. I know many Xavier fans will be watching SMU to track his progress.

Thanks for the insightful post. Great info. One of the most impressive wins I saw all year was Xavier over UC. It was a very convincing win. Good luck to you guys next season.

[CoxMustangFan]

"Crappy conference"

Compared to SEC bball? We beat an SEC team in the NIT and the NCs which we beat twice beat YOU.

"zero history"

I will concede that. Not ZERO, but I get it

"probably sub par facilities..."

Uh, no. WAY no.

Our basketball and football facilities are superior to whatever crap Kentucky has.

Just stop posting cause you sound like an idiot every time you post

I was trying to find the words to respond, but yours work just great.

[Pweesey]

Thanks to the X fan for his info.

Something I really like about Martin- 77% FT shooter the last 2 seasons.

[AusTxPony]

I think Frazier and Nic Moore will fire this guy up. I've rarely seen a cheerleader like Frazier when he's on the bench. Great kid and I look for him to reach his potential this year.

[Chnash318]

Thought I would chime in and give you a layman's view of JMart from a Xavier fan and long time alum. I have no inside information, but I live and die Xavier Bball.

First of all, Justin is anything but a thug. He seems like a great kid. He was a partial qualifier when he came to X, so he was able to practice but not play. Expectations were high as he was a top 100 recruit by many services. I don't sense he had any academic problems and X, and obviously he graduated. With the high expectations, he definitely underwhelmed everyone his first 2 seasons. He played very little his first year, alot by necessity his second year and was generally a disappointment on a down Xavier team. Some think a concussion may have contributed to his regression that season.

Secondly, I would guess 80% of fans wanted him to return after his season this year. He does disappear at times and seems to lose focus. But this year he definitely played the most consistent ball in his career. He has a very smooth release and shot. He is long and I would say above average on defense. Coach Mack was critical of him late in the season for not getting up every night for defensive assignments. Many seemed to think he would play lots of minutes at the 3 & 4 for X next year, with stiff competition for minutes coming from Blueitt coming at the 3 (a highly ranked recruit from Indiana, ironically).

He is a solid rebounder as well. He does not have great ball handling skills and I don't think anyone would want him at SG. Justin is a little quirky and not a leader. He seemed like by teammates.

Overall, I think you are getting a skilled shooter, solid defender, but a guy that can disappear at times, and appear disinterested… I think it will be important for him to fit in well and know his role, and have confidence. When he's on, it's awesome. He doesn't always play with emotion, but when he's fired up it was fun to watch (i.e. vs. UC he did awesome this year - 17 points, 5 rebounds, 3/5 from deep in a 64-47 Xavier romp).

Congrats on a great group of players. I know many Xavier fans will be watching SMU to track his progress.

Sounds kind of like Shawn Williams' JR year (when he could still hit a 3)

[ponyboy]

Just stop posting cause you sound like an idiot every time you post

Beating up on Big12Mustang, whatever his opinions, is not only inappropriate, but against board rules. Not cool. Let your reasoning win the argument rather than your name calling.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[SMU 86]

After viewing Martin's video tape it looks like he could play the 2 or 3. Nice outside shoot and he can drive to the bucket as well.

[gostangs]

I thought that at first also, but I don't think he has the handles for the 2. Guess it is not impossible but I don't think we will see him there ever.

[ojaipony]

I thought that at first also, but I don't think he has the handles for the 2. Guess it is not impossible but I don't think we will see him there ever.

Will add another assist or 2 to Nic and Mudiay. I think LB will use him as a "guard" in LB's definition. Only "back to basket" guys ("centers") will be Markus and Tolbert (and sometimes maybe Cannen and Yanick although both are a little soft in that regard . . . Ben, possibly, if he puts on the muscle/strength).

By the way, totally unrelated, I saw a tweet that the SMU coaches were at Cowboys practice today. Great recruiting thing to say (especially to local talent methinks) although my beloved Cowboys suck right now.

[sadderbudweiser]

I thought that at first also, but I don't think he has the handles for the 2. Guess it is not impossible but I don't think we will see him there ever.

If he's shooting "lights out" we'll see him there some. There are just so many possible rotations with this group it's going to be amazing.

[GiddyUp]

By the way, totally unrelated, I saw a tweet that the SMU coaches were at Cowboys practice today. Great recruiting thing to say (especially to local talent methinks) although my beloved Cowboys suck right now.

Stay as far away from cowboys as possible. They are far From winners...

[GiddyUp]

Brown mentioned last year that his team needed an "east coast" toughness. His teams always had that quality. Not that we could have gotten him due to UT's sealing the deal, but this was always an issue w Turner. Won't be surprised that whatever his starter/back-up position on team may be, he will be a regular inclusion at the 4 min TO in 2nd half.

haha, i mentioned this very thing about having/needing "east coast tough" and was laughed at on rivals saying it

[Harry0569]

http://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/pla ... tin-1.html

Overview of Martin's stats.

http://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/sch ... /2014.html

He would've been 4th on our in team in terms of "win shares."

Looking at the stats, he looks like a liability on defense (worst def win share by a wide margin), but that could've been due to scheme, other players, etc.

[stangsup4]

http://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/justin-martin-1.html

Overview of Martin's stats.

http://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/sch ... /2014.html

He would've been 4th on our in team in terms of "win shares."

Looking at the stats, he looks like a liability on defense (worst def win share by a wide margin), but that could've been due to scheme, other players, etc.

He won't be a liability defensively with LB's coaching. If Frazier's deficiencies can be masked I am quite confident Martin's can be as well.

[Harry0569]

http://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/justin-martin-1.html

Overview of Martin's stats.

http://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/sch ... /2014.html

He would've been 4th on our in team in terms of "win shares."

Looking at the stats, he looks like a liability on defense (worst def win share by a wide margin), but that could've been due to scheme, other players, etc.

He won't be a liability defensively with LB's coaching. If Frazier's deficiencies can be masked I am quite confident Martin's can be as well.

Agreed, which is why I put the caveat regarding XU's defensive scheme, other players.

LB demands excellence on the defensive end, and without that you arse is on the bench.