Damian Martin facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Damian Martin

Martin in March 2017
Point guard
Personal information
Born	(1984-09-05) 5 September 1984 (age 40) Gloucester, New South Wales, Australia
High school	Gloucester (Gloucester, New South Wales) Lake Ginninderra (Canberra, ACT)
Listed weight	91 kg (201 lb)
Career information
College	Loyola Marymount (2003–2007)
NBA Draft	2008 / Undrafted
Pro career	2002–2020
Career history
2002–2003	Australian Institute of Sport
2007–2009	West Sydney Razorbacks / Sydney Spirit
2009	Parramatta Wildcats
2009–2020	Perth Wildcats
2010	East Perth Eagles
Career highlights and awards
6× NBL champion (2010, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020) NBL Grand Final MVP (2016) 6× NBL Best Defensive Player (2011–2015, 2018) All-NBL First Team (2011) 2× All-NBL Second Team (2013, 2014) All-NBL Third Team (2012) WCC Defensive Player of the Year (2007) WCC All-Freshman Team (2004) No. 53 retired by Perth Wildcats
Medals Men's basketball Representing  Australia Commonwealth Games Gold 2018 Gold Coast Team competition FIBA U19 World Cup Gold 2003 Greece Team

Damian Patrick Martin (born 5 September 1984) is a famous Australian former basketball player. He played for 13 years in Australia's top league, the NBL. He is best known for his time with the Perth Wildcats, where he won six NBL championships. Damian was also known as one of the best defensive players, winning the "Best Defensive Player" award six times. This award is now named after him!

Early Life and Basketball Start

Damian Martin was born in Gloucester, New South Wales, Australia. When he was younger, he played rugby league.

At 15, a coach named Rob Beveridge encouraged him to focus on basketball. Damian then moved to Canberra to train at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS). He also attended Lake Ginninderra Secondary College.

In 2003, Damian won a gold medal with the Australian junior team. This was at the 2003 FIBA Under-19 World Championship.

College Basketball Journey

From 2003 to 2007, Damian played college basketball in the United States. He played for the Loyola Marymount Lions. In his first year, he was named to the WCC All-Freshman Team.

He missed the 2005–06 season because of an injury. When he returned, he was named the WCC Defensive Player of the Year in 2007. After three seasons, he decided to start his professional career.

Professional Basketball Career

Starting in the NBL

Damian began his professional career with the West Sydney Razorbacks in the NBL. However, he got a knee injury early in his first season (2007–08).

The Razorbacks team later changed its name to the Sydney Spirit. Damian played for them again. The team faced money problems, and players even took pay cuts to keep it going. Damian also played with a broken wrist during this tough time.

Perth Wildcats: A Champion's Home

Martin in April 2014, celebrating a championship with the Wildcats

In 2009, Damian Martin joined the Perth Wildcats. This is where he became a true legend. In his first season (2009–10), he helped the Wildcats win the NBL championship!

He quickly became known for his amazing defense. He won the NBL Best Defensive Player Award five times in a row, from 2011 to 2015. In 2013, he became a co-captain of the team. The next year, he became the sole captain.

In the 2013–14 season, Damian led the Wildcats to another NBL championship. They beat the Adelaide 36ers in the finals.

In 2014, he had an incredible game with nine steals! This was almost a club record. He also played his 200th NBL game during the 2014–15 season.

Martin in March 2017, during a game

In 2015, Damian suffered a broken jaw and lost some teeth during a game. But he came back strong! In the 2015–16 season, he helped the Wildcats win another NBL championship. He was even named the Grand Final MVP (Most Valuable Player) for his outstanding performance.

Damian signed a new three-year deal in 2016. He continued to lead the Wildcats to more championships. They won again in the 2016–17 season. He also won his sixth NBL Best Defensive Player Award in the 2017–18 season. This set a new record!

Martin in March 2019, returning to Perth after winning his fifth NBL championship

In the 2018–19 season, Damian helped the Wildcats win yet another championship. This was his fifth NBL title with the club. He and his teammate Jesse Wagstaff were the first players to win five championships with just one team.

He played his 300th game for the Wildcats in December 2019. In March 2020, he won his sixth NBL championship. This made him one of only four players in NBL history to win six titles.

Retirement and Legacy

On 21 July 2020, Damian Martin announced he was retiring from basketball. He had played 342 games in the NBL. To honor his incredible defensive skills, the league named the "Best Defensive Player" trophy after him.

In 2024, the Perth Wildcats retired Damian's number 53 jersey. This means no other player on the team will ever wear that number again. It's a huge honor for a player!

Playing for Australia

Damian also played for the Australian Boomers. He represented his country in many big tournaments. These included the 2010 FIBA World Championship and the 2016 Rio Olympics. He won a gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games with the Australian team.

Career Statistics

Here are some of Damian Martin's career statistics:

Personal Life

Damian Martin is the son of Anne and Raymond Martin. He has three brothers and one sister.

Damian is married to Brittany, and they have three daughters.

In October 2024, Damian was chosen to help with the leadership program for the Fremantle Football Club.

See also

In Spanish: Damian Martin para niños