“Phoenix Instead of Pheasant“

`He is not a first-class player, but a very good player, for sure.`

The SK Knights` coaching staffs are excited over a player who joined later than other foreign players, Erik Martin (1m 99, 108 kg).

It was Greg Springfield that the SK Knights had designated at the tryout for selecting foreign player in July. But Springfield joined the team with injury, and thus he was released even before the season opened. Right after deciding to replace Springfield, the SK executives made a phone call to Martin, who was a second best player at the tryout. But Martin refused to join the team, because he was preparing for advancing to the European league. As last resort, the SK scouted Terrence Moore, but Moore failed to adjust himself to the Korean basketball league only to be released just within 8 games, because of serious weight gain. His weight was 116 kg at the time of tryout, but it was 131 kg when he joined the team.

In a tight corner, the SK called Martin again, and finally succeeded to capture him, who has failed to advance to the European league until that moment. Martin, who joined the team after many twists and turns, turned up the atmosphere as expected to lead the team`s four straight wins. For instance, Martin tightly tied up Artimus McClary (13 points) and Mustapha Hoff (18 points) and recorded 4 dunks, 5 steals, and 14 rebounds in game with the Samsung Thunders on 11th.

Martin only recorded 20 points in this game. But he knew the role given to him for the team very well. He said, "I was confident that I could score over 30 points. But it was defense and rebound that the coaching staffs wanted me to do. There are many good offenders such as Seo Jang-Hoon and Hannibal in my team. I am satisfied with the fact that I could contribute for the team`s victory."

As of Dec. 11th, Martin recorded 18.8 points, 11.9 rebounds (9th place), 2.9 blocks (2nd place), 2.2 steals (3rd place) per game, proving his steadfast defensive contribution.

Since he has taken on all laborious jobs within the team, everybody loves him. Even `sensitive` Seo Jang-Hoon has praised him so much when it comes to Martin.

However, he has some problem with endurance, which is not enough to play full-time for four quarters. And he has suffered from foul trouble many times since he has not completely adjusted himself to the Korean basketball style yet.

Head Coach Choi In-Sun evaluated, "I always have a conversation with players who I think are having problems. But Martin is a kind of self-disciplined player who is able to manage himself. So, I didn`t have to have a conversation with him until now."

Kim Sang-Ho hyangsan@donga.com