Scott Martin has certainly been on the wrong end of positivity during his college basketball career too many times. However, for one night, Friday night, the Notre Dame guard can enjoy the news that was delivered to him.
The NCAA voted to allow Martin to be able to compete for the Fighting Irish during the 2012-13 season, one in which will be Martin's sixth season on a college campus.
"We're thrilled in the NCAA's decision to grant Scott a sixth year of eligibility," Notre Dame coach Mike Brey said. “Scott was our "glue guy" this past season with our young team.”
The ruling is due to Martin already having sat out one season (2008-09) due to his transfer from Purdue following his freshman season (2007-08) with the Boilermakers, as well as the ensuing season (2009-10) missed due to his injuring his knee during a preseason workout.
The past season, the 6-foot-8 Martin averaged 9.5 points and 5.7 rebounds per game in helping lead the Irish to a 22-12 record.
“He helped drive us with his experience and leadership,” Brey said. “I was so proud of him in how he handled himself once (senior forward) Tim Abromaitis went down with his ACL injury.”
Martin was one of three team captains and proved to be a significant contributor to helping Notre Dame turn around its season following an 8-5 non-conference start to the non-conference season. The Irish finished 13-5 in the Big East Conference, which was the second-most regular-season league wins in program history, and third-place finish in the league.
The 2007 Indiana All-Star from Valparaiso High School started all 33 games this past season and scored in double figures in 17 contests and grabbed 10-plus rebounds in three games while averaging 34.7 minutes per contest.
Martin has started all 66 games he has played in for the Irish and averaged 9.6 points and 5.2 rebounds per game during his career. During his playing career in South Bend, Notre Dame is 49-19 overall and 27-9 in Big East play.
He graduated in December 2011 with a bachelor's degree in history and computer applications and is currently enrolled in graduate school at the University. Martin recently was honored at the team's annual postseason awards presentation as the Notre Dame Monogram Club Team MVP.
“Scott is a great example for college basketball,” Brey said. “We're excited that he gets an opportunity to play one more season in a Notre Dame uniform."
