NBA Player Profile: Kevin Martin

Devaro Bolton

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Name: Kevin Martin

Team: Houston Rockets

Position: Shooting Guard/ Small Forward

NBA Statistics: 20.1 (points), 3.1 (rebounds), 2.7 (assists)

Background: He may not be the most robust player in the league, but what Kevin 'K-Mart] Martin lacks in physical structure he certainly makes up for in physical ability. At a reasonable height of 6' 7", K-Mart is one of the fastest players in transition (from one of the court to another) and has grown into one of the most recognised sharp shooters currently in the NBA.

Born February 1, 1983 in Zanesville, Ohio, he spent his early years attending Zanesville High School from where he got a full scholarship to attend Western Carolina University. During his tenure at West Carolina he enjoyed a fairly decent career, averaging 23.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.7 assists over a three-year span, accumulating 1,838 points to make him the fourth-highest scorer in the school's history. In 2004 he was selected as the 26th overall pick by the Sacramento Kings, making him the first athlete from the school to be selected in the first round of any professional sport.

In his seven seasons thus far, he has gained recognition through achievements such as the first runner-up in the 2006-2007 Most Improved Player Award and the Oscar Robertson Triple Double Award in 2008.

He was traded to the Rockets in February of 2010 and since then has become an integral member of the franchise. He is also a big factor in the Rockets' push for the 2011-2012 play-offs; they currently lie in fourth place in the Western Conference.