EM2-The Eddie Martinez story

[SPS]

EM2



Combo guard Eddie Martinez had a pretty promising freshman season for syracuse, being the team's second-leading scorer at 13.9 points per game, and raising that to a very impressive 18.5 points per game over the last 12 games of the season, possibly a sign of things to come. But instead Martinez has chosen to place his name in the draft. He could have used another season and become the primary facilitator with the graduation of Andy Rautins

For a potential point guard, Martinez has nice size at 6’2, with some good length to boot. At just a slight 175 pounds, though, Martinez definitely could fill out his frame a bit more, and adding lower and upper body strengths should be among his priorities. He has excellent quickness and overall athleticism, but his body could still improve to take more of a beating in the lane. Reports we've heard suggest that Martinez indeed did add some upper body bulk this summer and a impressive 7 pounds, so it'll be interesting to get a look at him in the NBA level.

On the offensive end, Martinez has a terrific first step, frequently getting past his man due to his incredible ability to change speeds and tremendous ball handling. In the draft Martinez's speed is only rivaled by John Wall. At the rim, he has nice touch and has good creativity, being able to score on tough up-and-under moves and finger rolls on occasion. Despite his slight build, he also gets to the line at a pretty good rate.

In terms of point guard skills, Martinez shows little flashes here and there, mostly on Transition or simple pick and roll, but is clearly still a work in progress. Martinez is very prone to a lot of bad decisions, either him forcing a bad pass or forcing fancy dribble moves.On the defensive end, Martinez uses his length and hands very well, leading to 1.8 steals per game, and he also shows nice foot speed and a decent defensive stance. He overplays passing lanes at times, and is prone to biting for ball fakes, but for a freshman guard, his man and team defense are both fairly solid.

Overall Eddie Martinez is a interesting prospect, should he develop his point guard skills and jumpshot further he could be more than your conventional role player. Should he put up some wow measurements and peform well in the combine games he could sneak himself into the Lottery.

Player Thoughts

It's been a very, VERY, very tough decision for me, but I've decided to enter my name into the NBA draft. Everyone has been telling me that it's too early and I should play another season for coach "Jim" but I feel like I won't get better unless I take another step and that step is the NBA. I promised my mom I would finish school, so I'll be taking summer courses.

I'm in Chicago right now and I gotta be in the gym tomorrow so I can get my measurements done and probably get some games in. I'm going all out tomorrow hopefully I can surprise some people.

[Bomb Diggity]

Wow, this is very very cool. You have a reader in me!

I'm loving EM2 already !

[Murat]

So cool!

[SPS]

EM2 Continued...



Point guards in the NBA earn their paychecks on the court winning games in five on five settings, not in single day measurement workouts though it does help. Fortunately for Martinez he did extremely well in both, he put up amazing measurements and performed extremely well in the scrimmage at the point. We've learned so much more about Martinez here in Chicago.

In the measurements Department Martinez looked amazing on paper and visually during the drills. He may not always play like a point guard but with 6 '2" with shoes and a 6 '7" wingspan Martinez might just be able to get by at the shooting guard position. Martinez looked explosive while also smooth and polished during drills. He posted the highest Vertical leap of all the prospects and fastest full court sprint time. Overall I was impressed with Martinez and he certainly climbed a spot or two in the draft.

Then I watched Martinez play his first game and I saw a totally different ball player. He indeed put on a few pounds and looks a bit more chiseled. Before the game started I noticed he was going to be matched up with Eric Bledsoe and I immediately thought back to the USF game where Martinez was completely bullied by Dominique Jones as Jones used his superior size and strength to to get to the rim at will. Bledsoe is a chiseled specimen weighing in at around 200 pounds nearly 20 more than Martinez. On Martinez side he found himself paired up with former Syracuse teammate Wesley Johnson. The two played together as if they had not been apart for more than one day the two hooking up for 4 of Martinez's 8 assists. Martinez played extremely well running the point much better than we saw him do at Syracuse. He also showed just how explosive and creative he could be as a scorer finishing with 19 points. On the defensive end Martinez just flat out smothered Bledsoe contesting every shot he chucked up holding his man to 2 points while shooting 1-13. Martinez also swarmed the passing lane like hornet picking off 5 passes and either finishing coast to coast or ending with a creative transition pass. In a nutshell I think Martinez just snuck his way into the lottery.

[qfrmcpt310]

should've commented earlier this is looking noice ...goodluck with this