Phil Martin: A nice guy with a nice game

By Dayton Morinaga
Advertiser Staff Writer

Phil Martin's legacy with the University of Hawai'i men's basketball team is secure.

"I don't know if there's been a nicer person to come through this program," Riley Wallace says of Phil Martin. Advertiser library photo

But perhaps most important, Martin has the wins.

"Why wouldn't you put his name up there with the all-time greats?" Hawai'i head coach Riley Wallace said. "He's got all the numbers, and he'll leave here with more wins under his belt than any other player in history. That's the best stat you can have."

Martin is a 6-foot-8 senior forward playing the final games of his career with the Rainbow Warriors.

In four seasons at Hawai'i, Martin has appeared in a school-record 121 games, including an ongoing streak of 97 consecutive starts.

The 'Bows have won 81 games he has appeared in, making him a part of more victories than any player in UH history.

He is in search of two more this week as the 'Bows close the regular season with road games at Nevada tomorrow, then at Fresno State on Saturday.

"Ever since I've been here, (Wallace) likes to talk about Alika Smith and A.C. (Anthony Carter) and other guys from the past," Martin said. "Maybe some day he can talk about me that way."

He has already earned his spot among the all-time leading scorers and rebounders.

Martin is one of 11 players to reach 1,000 points at Hawai'i, and currently ranks eighth all-time with 1,196. He also ranks sixth in rebounding with 593 and seventh in steals with 113.

Phil Martin file Height: 6-8 Position: Forward Class: Senior Hometown: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada Born: March 9, 1980 Numbers: 121 — games played 97 — consecutive starts 81 — victories played in

This season, he is averaging 10.3 points and 4.6 rebounds per game.

"He kind of does it quietly," Wallace said. "He's just steady and he does what we ask of him."

As good as his numbers are, Martin's strength — defense — can not really be measured in statistics.

Early in his freshman season, he was inserted into the starting lineup for defensive purposes. He hasn't left.

"I take the most pride in my defense because that was my ticket into this journey," Martin said. "That's what got me on the floor, and it's what's kept me on the floor."

Throughout his career, Martin has often been assigned to defend the opposing team's top scorer, whether that player is a guard, forward or center.

"It's tough sometimes," he said. "I go from chasing a 6-2 shooter all over the court, to banging with a 7-footer near the basket."

His efforts have not gone unnoticed. Martin started the final two home games of his career last week despite a severely sprained left ankle. After Sunday's home finale, he received a rousing standing ovation during senior ceremonies.

"I can't believe people appreciate me that way," he said. "The fans here are amazing."

Of course, it doesn't have everything to do with his game. As Wallace aptly put it: "Phil's a pretty boy. He knows it; everybody knows it."

Martin has received cards, letters, cookies, candy, stuffed animals and other items from fans he doesn't even know — including some who don't even know basketball.

"I can't answer them all," he said. "Some of them ask me to call them on their birthday and stuff like that."

However, Martin makes it a point to emphasize that there is a significant woman in his life — his mother, Luana.

Martin's parents separated when he was 7. He and Luana raised each other the rest of the way in Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada.

"His father was around, so it wasn't me by myself," Luana said. "But it was tough sometimes, especially when he started getting really good at basketball."

At Cathedral High School, Martin played on a team that was ranked No. 1 in all of Canada. He also made several junior national teams.

"I worked two jobs to help pay for all the traveling he did," Luana said. "I wanted to do everything I could to make sure he could follow his dreams."

It is also apparent that she raised her only son quite well. Martin is undoubtedly the best-dressed and groomed player on the team.

"He's always been that way," Luana said. "The girls were already calling when he was in the eighth grade."

Martin is also soft-spoken and polite — traits that only add to his legacy, according to his coach.

"I don't know if there's been a nicer person to come through this program than Phil Martin," Wallace said. "When you look at the overall deal — the player he is, the student he is, the person — they just don't make them any better."

Reach Dayton Morinaga at dmorinaga@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-8101.

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