US collegiate star Remy Martin announced on Tuesday that he is taking the big leap to the National Basketball Association (NBA) Rookie Draft.
If drafted, Martin will be the second Filipino-American to play in the NBA after former LA Laker, Cleveland Cavalier and Utah Jazz guard Clarkson.
The junior guard from Arizona State said in a statement that the he is fulfilling his childhood dream and “now is the perfect time to slingshot himself to the NBA.”
“I would like to thank God for giving me the ability to play the game that I love,” Martin said. “I am thankful for the constant support, especially from my family who has always encouraged me to pursue my goals.”
“Starting from a young age, I have worked towards the opportunity to play in the NBA and I have now decided to take another step into making my dream a reality,” he added.
The 6-foot Martin played for three seasons at Arizona State and led the Sun Devils this year with 19.1 points, 4.1 assists and 3.1 rebounds. He was selected to the All-Pac-12 First Team.
The team was originally headed to the NCAA Tournament, but the coronavirus pandemic froze all leagues to stop the spread of the disease.
Martin, son of Filipino Mary Ann Macaspac, was chosen for the “23-for-23” program of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas which is being trained for the Fiba 2023 World Cup.