Justin Martin

[LA Muskie]

My sources tell me (you know who you are) that if Semaj is not a lottery pick that he will return to Xavier. I ain't not talent evaluator or NBA front office exec, but as good as Semaj is (an make no mistake, he is good), I don't think that he is currently a 2014 NBA lottery pick. If someone else does believe this, please enlighten me.

I heard somewhat similar things this weekend as well, although I think it's more like projected top 20-24 than just lottery. I don't think he wants to risk falling into the 2nd round.

I'm torn on where he might go. Not so much because of his performance but more so that of others. For example, I think Embiid and Ennis are two guys who probably leap-frogged him (although I don't really know what the preseason stuff said so maybe they were already up there).

[The_Mack_Pack]

A lot of mock drafts have him as a late first rounder and I've seen a couple that place him in the second round. A big tournament performance would do a lot for his draft stock but if his stock stays the same then I think it'd be too risky to go.

[vee4xu]

"Lottery", or First Round pick, Vee? If you're a first rounder, you get a guaranteed contract for 2 years with a 3rd year club option.. "Lottery" means that you're picked in the first 14 picks. Big difference.

Lottery.

[bleedXblue]

The draft this year is somewhat weak at PG. If he waits another year, there's always the chance that he won't go as high as he's projected this year. First round picks get an auto 3 year deal that will make him millions. As much as I want him to stay and knowing what we know about his families financial situation, I would be shocked if he doesn't leave.

[vee4xu]

It is all conjecture at this point, but fun to discuss and speculate. Semaj is a good player and he seems to be getting better as the season goes on. Only he knows what he'll end up doing and surely he will get good counsel and do what is right for him and his family. No doubt there are things he could get better at if he stays one more year. But, basketball is a business so he has to strike while the iron is hot. It could be he will put his name into the draft, but not hire an agent. This way if things don't look like they are swinging in his favor, he can retract his name.

It's going to be what it is going to be. He seems like a good kid, so whatever he decides, I wish him all the best.

[MADXSTER]

Isn't this the Justin Martin thread??

[vee4xu]

Meh, not the first time at thread has meandered off topic into another direction.

[xu82]

Isn't this the Justin Martin thread??

That name sounds familiar. Who does he play for? Please forgive our short attention span - and Justin is a STUD! This is how Tourney rolls happen... things just gel and the team get hot at the right time. Let's hope this is just the beginning!

[XU 87]

What an amazing game from that talented young man. He just keeps getting better. Justin Martin has a high ceiling.

Good things happen when you work hard and start playing with some confidence.

Next up- Brandon Randolph - at least in the playing with confidence part.

As for Martin, until about 10 games into this season, I figured he was a step slow, below average shooter with limited offensive and defensive ability. Now I keep watching a guy who's rebounding, shooting the ball well, and taking the ball to the hoop.

[xu82]

Next up- Brandon Randolph - at least in the playing with confidence part.

All in good time. The message has been shared on various threads about how we develop players and remember them for how they finish as seniors. Brandon started strong then looked a bit like a freshman. Freshman will do that. I trust our staff to bring him along like the others. I am happy to be reminded about his spot on the roster. He will get his chance and he will develop as the others have. We have a lot of freshmen next year. Great prospects, but freshmen.