Martin following clarkson footsteps
MANILA, Philippines — Filipino-American sensation Remy Martin has declared for the 2020 NBA Rookie Draft, hoping to join Utah’s Jordan Clarkson as the Philippines’ representative to the NBA.
The Arizona State U Sun Devils standout announced his decision yesterday in a heartfelt social media post highlighted by a Philippine flag backdrop, emphasizing his dream to carry the flag in the NBA.
“I have worked towards the opportunity to play in the NBA and I have now decided to take another step into making my dream a reality,” said the 6-foot do-it-all guard, who has been vocal in his desire to be part of the Gilas Pilipinas ever since.
The 21-year-old Martin suited up for three seasons in Arizona, norming 13.8 points, 4.0 assists and 3.1 rebounds for a solid US NCAA stint.
This year, Martin shifted to higher gear in a bid to boost his draft stock as he tallied 19.1 markers, 4.1 dimes and 3.1 boards for the supposedly March Madness-bound Sun Devils before the NCAA was forced to call the games off due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A former Sixth Man of the Year, Martin’s outburst this season catapulted him to second place in the Pac-12 Conference Player of the Year race just behind winner Payton Pritchard of Oregon. He, however, made it to the 2020 First Mythical Team.
Martin was ranked 85th in ESPN’s Top 100 Class of 2017.
Martin, whose mother, Mary Anne Bagtas Magaspac, is Filipina, has repeatedly aired his willingness to play for the Philippine national team especially after being named to the original 23 for the 2023 FIBA World Cup Gilas Pilipinas pool.
He came close to making it to the Gilas Pilipinas roster for the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers and World Cup proper last year but eligibility concerns, according to the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, got in the way.
FIBA strictly requires foreign players to carry a passport of the country they wish to play for before turning 16.
The 2020 NBA Draft is set June 25 in New York.