Sydney Kings sign former NBA big man Jarell Martin

The Brydens Lawyers Sydney Kings have today announced the signing of former NBA first-rounder Jarell Martin. Martin joins the Club after four years’ experience with the Memphis Grizzlies and Orlando Magic.

At 6’10, the 26-year-old Baton Rouge native most recently played for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in NBA G-League and with the Schenzhen Leopards of the CBA.

Having already spent time with Martin during his tenure as the Director of Basketball Operations with the Memphis Grizzlies, Sydney Kings CEO Chris Pongrass was pleased to be welcoming the talented import to Sydney for the upcoming NBL21 season. 

“I couldn’t be happier to reunite with Jarell and welcome him to Sydney” Pongrass said.

“Jarell is exactly the type of player we were looking for to round out our roster. It is rare to find a 6’10 versatile big who can handle the ball, push in transition and be a strong presence inside – couple that with his three-point range, I am confident he will be a force in this league.”

“We are definitely going to benefit from Jarell’s competitiveness and desire to win – Kings fans should be excited for what is in store.” Pongrass added.

BECOME A MEMBER AND BE THERE TO WATCH JARELL IN ACTION

In high school Martin was a McDonald’s All-American and was named Louisiana’s Mr Basketball in 2013. He attended LSU where he averaged 13.7 points and 6.9 rebounds per game.

Following his Sophmore year at LSU, he declared for the 2015 NBA Draft and was selected with the 25th overall pick by the Grizzlies where he spent three seasons. Martin averaged 7.7 points and 4.4 rebounds per game while shooting 44.6 percent from the field during the 2017-18 season. 

Having seen the pathway paved by those from the Sydney Kings into the NBA, Martin is looking forward to continuing to build on his career in Sydney this season. 

“I’m very excited to be joining the Kings and can’t wait too get going” Martin shared. 

“I’ve heard so many great things about Australia, how good the NBL league is, and how much the Sydney fans really embrace the players. I’m looking forward to the season ahead and can’t wait to get out on court”. 

Martin rounds out the final piece of the Kings roster for the 2020-21 NBL season. He joins Casper Ware Jr, Brad Newley, Xavier Cooks, Shaun Bruce, Craig Moller, Angus Glover, Dejan Vasiljevic, Daniel Kickert, Jordan Hunter and Didi Louzada as contracted players. Martin will travel to Sydney from the United States this month.

The 2020-21 NBL season is currently scheduled to start in mid-January with further details to be provided in the coming week. Memberships are now on sale, here.