Damian Martin facts for kids
Martin in March 2017
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| Point guard | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Personal information | ||||||||||||||||||||
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| Born | 5 September 1984 Gloucester, New South Wales, Australia |
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| High school | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 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 | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Medals
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Damian Patrick Martin (born 5 September 1984) is a famous Australian former professional basketball player. He played basketball in college in the United States. After that, he played for 13 years in Australia's top league, the NBL.
Damian Martin is known for being an amazing defensive player. He won six NBL championships with the Perth Wildcats. He also won the award for the NBL's Best Defensive Player six times! When he retired, the league even named the defensive player trophy after him.
Contents
Early Life and Basketball Beginnings
Damian Martin was born in Gloucester, New South Wales, Australia. When he was younger, he played rugby league.
At 15, Damian was encouraged to focus on basketball. He then moved to Canberra to attend the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS). This is a special place where young athletes train.
In 2002 and 2003, Damian played for the AIS team. He also played for Australia's junior national team. In 2003, his team won a gold medal 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 (2003–04), he was named to the WCC All-Freshman Team. This means he was one of the best new players in his conference. He missed the 2005–06 season because of an Achilles tendon injury.
Damian returned for the 2006–07 season. He was named the WCC Defensive Player of the Year. He decided to start his professional career after that season.
Professional Basketball Career
Starting with West Sydney Razorbacks
Damian Martin began his professional career in the NBL. He joined the West Sydney Razorbacks in 2007. However, he got a knee injury just ten games into the season.
The Razorbacks team later changed its name to the Sydney Spirit for the 2008–09 season. Damian played for them again. The team faced money problems, but the players worked together to keep it going. Damian even played much of that season with a broken wrist!
Becoming a Perth Wildcats Legend
In 2009, Damian Martin joined the Perth Wildcats. This is where he became a true basketball star.
- First Championship (2010): In his first season, he helped the Wildcats win the NBL championship. They beat the Wollongong Hawks in the Grand Final.
- Defensive Star (2011-2015): Damian won the NBL Best Defensive Player Award five years in a row! He was known for his incredible defense.
- More Championships:
- In 2014, he led the Wildcats to another NBL championship.
- In 2016, the Wildcats won again. Damian was named the Grand Final MVP for his amazing performance.
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- In 2017, the Wildcats won their third championship with Damian.
- Record-Breaking Defense (2018): Damian won his sixth NBL Best Defensive Player Award. This set a new record in the league!
- Fifth Championship (2019): He helped the Wildcats win another championship, making it his fifth with the club. He and his teammate Jesse Wagstaff were the first players to win five titles with just one team.
- Sixth Championship and Retirement (2020): Damian won his sixth NBL championship in 2020. He became one of only four players in NBL history to win six titles. He played through the season with an Achilles injury.
On 21 July 2020, Damian Martin announced he was retiring from basketball. He played 342 games in the NBL. To honor him, the league named the Best Defensive Player trophy after him.
In February 2024, the Perth Wildcats retired Damian Martin's number 53 jersey. This means no other player on the team will ever wear that number again. It's a huge honor!
Playing for Australia
Damian Martin also played for the Australian Boomers. This is Australia's national basketball team. He represented his country in many big tournaments, including:
- The 2009 FIBA Oceania Championship
- The 2010 FIBA World Championship
- The 2016 Rio Olympics
Personal Life
Damian Martin is the son of Anne and Raymond Martin. He has three brothers, Daniel, John, and Anthony, and one sister, Beth.
Damian is married to Brittany, and they have three daughters.
In October 2024, Damian was chosen by the Fremantle Football Club to help with their leadership program.
See also
In Spanish: Damian Martin para niños
