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Kenyon Martin

Drafted by: New Jersey, Round: 1, Pick: 1
College: Cincinnati
Height: 6-9
Weight: 230 lbs.
Position: Center
BirthDate: Dec. 30, 1976
Birthplace: Saginaw, MI

Highlights

Expert Analysis

"Martin is an outstanding shotblocker with great timing and aggressiveness in going for blocks, but what has even greater impact than his rejections are the shots that he changes because of his presence. Martin used to try and block everything, which left the offensive glass vulnerable.

However, he is now much more selective and smarter on the defensive end, truly showing ability to change a game on defense. Alongside a capable NBA center, Martin can be a tremendous asset on the defensive end and the boards.

On offense, Martin showed dramatic improvement throughout his senior season. Martin showed that he could hit from 12 feet and in, and was much more aggressive in looking for his shot and calling for the ball.

If pushed off the lane, Martin still has the ability to face up and drive by his defender to get to the basket. He does not possess a particularly soft touch, but doesn't shoot a bad ball, either. I liken him to Alonzo Mourning coming out of college: an absolute warrior on the defensive end despite the fact that he is undersized, with decent offensive skills that can greatly improve. Things have worked out well for Mourning, as he is now the best player in the Eastern Conference, and things should work out well for Martin as well."-- ESPN's Jay Bilas

Consensus National Player of the Year as a senior, earning The Associated Press, Wooden, Naismith, Robertson, NABC and U.S. Basketball Writers Association awards. Consensus First Team All-America (AP, NABC, Basketball Times). Unanimous choice for Conference USA Player of the Year. Earned Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year for the third straight season.

College highlights at Cincinnati
As a senior, suffered a fractured fibula in the quarterfinals of the Conference USA Tournament and missed the NCAA Tournament. Started 31 games and averaged 18.9 points, 9.7 rebounds (13th in nation) and 3.45 blocks (eighth in nation) per game. Tied own blocked shots record with 107 blocks. Captured MVP honors at the Big Island Invitational, Rock-N-Roll Classic and Great Eight. Scored a career-high 33 points twice. Recorded second career triple-double with 28 points, 13 rebounds and 10 blocks in a Jan. 19 win over Memphis.

Named Honorable Mention All-America by AP as a junior. Earned First Team all-Conference USA honors and Defensive Player of the Year award. Earned Conference USA Player of the Week honors a record six times. Set a new Cincinnati and conference record with 107 blocks. Finished conference season as leader in scoring, rebounding field goal percentage and blocks. Showed all-around game with 16-point, 16-rebound, six-block effort vs. Rhode Island. Won Rock-N-Roll Shootout MVP award after scoring 18 points and grabbing 13 rebounds in win over Dayton.

As sophomore, won his first Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year award. Recorded Cincinnati's first triple-double in 31 years with 24 points, 23 rebounds and 10 blocks in win over DePaul. Selected Most Outstanding Player in Conference USA Tournament after averaging 14.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.3 blocks in three games. Had 26 rebounds and six blocks in two NCAA Tournament games.

As a freshman, became eligible to play in January. Made three starts and led team in blocks with 24.

SEASON	G	FGM	FGA	PCT	FTM	FTA	PCT	REB	AST	PTS	AVG
1996-97	22	26	40	.650	10	32	.313	74	10	62	2.8
1997-98	30	124	198	.626	50	105	.476	267	41	298	9.9
1998-99	33	142	248	.573	50	89	.562	228	49	334	10.1
1999-00	31	221	389	.568	141	206	.684	300	42	585	18.9
TOTALS	116	513	875	.586	251	432	.581	869	142	1,279	11.0
Three-point field goals: 1996-97, 0-for-0 (.000); 1997-98, 0-for-1 (.000); 1998-99, 0-for-1 (.000); 1999-00, 2-for-7 (.286). Totals, 2-for-9, (.222)

Video Highlights
video

Kenyon Martin goes up top for the alley-oop.
avi: 456 k
RealVideo: 56.6 | ISDN | T1