UH's Martin will focus on defense
By Dayton Morinaga
Advertiser Staff Writer
Phil Martin is currently ranked No. 3 among all NCAA Division I players with a .714 field-goal shooting percentage.
• What: Four-team men's college basketball tournament • Tomorrow: Cal Poly vs. New Orleans, 6 p.m.; Hawai'i vs. Eastern Illinois, 8 p.m. • Saturday: Cal Poly vs. Eastern Illinois, 6 p.m.; Hawai'i vs. New Orleans, 8 p.m. • Where: Stan Sheriff Center • Tickets: $15 for lower level seats, $11 for upper level adult seats, $8 for Super Rooter seats, $7 for upper level student seats. Parking is $3. • Radio/TV: Hawai'i games live on KKEA (1420 AM) and K5
The 6-foot-8 junior forward also ranks second on the University of Hawai'i men's basketball team with 12.3 points per game.
Adidas Festival
But as far as UH head coach Riley Wallace is concerned, Martin's main duties will come on defense this weekend during the Adidas Festival.
The 'Bows (2-1) will host Eastern Illinois (3-5) tomorrow around 8 p.m. The Panthers feature one of the nation's most prolific — yet unknown — scorers in Henry Domercant.
"He's the real deal," Wallace said.
The 6-4 senior guard is currently ranked fifth in the NCAA with 25.6 points per game. Last season as a junior, he finished second in the NCAA with 26.4 points per game. As a sophomore, he finished fourth in the NCAA with 22.8 per game.
Martin, who is the power forward in UH's lineup, has been assigned the task of defending Domercant when the 'Bows employ their base man-to-man defense.
"I actually prefer to play perimeter defense," Martin said. "And I've guarded smaller guys before, so I'm looking forward to the challenge."
Through the Panthers' eight games, Domercant has attempted 161 field goals (making 67) and 65 free throws (making 53). No teammate has attempted more than 81 field goals or 18 free throws.
"Everything in their offense revolves around him," Wallace said. "They set screens for him, they run plays for him, and he can create on his own, too."
Martin has developed his own reputation as a defensive stopper. Last season, he became the first sophomore to win the team's Best Defensive Player Award (he shared it with senior Mike McIntyre).
At various times last season, he defended opponents ranging from shorter point guards to 7-foot centers.
"He's going to shoot a lot," Martin said. "I just have to make it harder for him to get his looks (at the basket)."
Wallace said that Martin will not assume sole responsibility for Domercant. He said the 'Bows could also use double-teams or switch to zones, if necessary.
In any case, Martin's defensive duties will not end tomorrow. New Orleans, UH's Saturday opponent, features 6-7 senior forward Hector Romero. He averages 20.6 points and 9.9 rebounds per game, and will likely be defended by Martin.
"It's good to know the coaches have that kind of faith in me," Martin said. "I just have to show I'm worthy of it."
