Jeremiah Martin doubts he will ever erase the memory of his debut at Koch Arena. He fondly reminisces about the game on Feb. 23, 2019, in his final year at Memphis.
He vividly remembers how he secured 29 out of his 37 points in the latter half, orchestrating a remarkable comeback from a double-digit deficit. This standout performance resulted in an 88-85 victory over Wichita State, leaving the home fans in astonishment and hushed disbelief.
“I remember that game like it was yesterday,” Martin said while looking at the exact court some five years later.
Martin’s professional basketball journey has brought him back to Wichita, where the 6-foot-3 guard is anticipated to play a significant role for Wichita State’s alumni squad, the AfterShocks, in The Basketball Tournament. The team will kick off their campaign with a game at noon on Saturday against Midtown Prestige at Koch Arena.
Markis McDuffie, a member of the 2018-19 WSU team that faced Martin’s Tigers twice that season, humorously remarked, “I know (Martin) is happy to be back in here, but he’s one of us now. He’s a fantastic player, and we are thrilled to have him. I’m sure he desires to experience this fervor from a different perspective as well. He recognizes it and appreciates it.
” Martin is no stranger to the Roundhouse since his college days, having competed for the Beale Street Boys in last year’s TBT regional in Wichita. However, it was the AfterShocks who staged a remarkable 21-point comeback to defeat Martin during that event.
This defeat left a lasting impression on Martin, who also held a deep respect for WSU fans since his college playing days.
“Having played here last summer and during my college days, that significantly influenced my decision to join the team,”
Martin expressed. “Playing here was a fantastic experience because of the incredible atmosphere. It was without a doubt one of the most challenging arenas to compete in within the American conference.”
When it was evident that Memphis would not form an alumni team that summer, Martin emerged as one of the premier free agents in the TBT competition. Following a successful college career where he amassed 1,625 points at Memphis, Martin ventured into the NBA for a two-year period spanning 2019-2021. He participated in 18 games and tallied 86 points, including a memorable appearance in the NBA bubble for the Brooklyn Nets during the playoffs.
Having transitioned his career to Europe, Martin has ascended to one of the premier leagues globally, VTB United, where the 28-year-old maintained averages of 18.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.8 steals, shooting 54% from the field and 42% from beyond the arc for BC Enisey. “The acquisition of Jeremiah Martin will have a significant impact on us,” stated AfterShocks coach Zach Bush. “He had a stellar season in Russia in a highly competitive league, showing continuous improvement.
His professional development aligns with that of many of our players. We envision him as a scorer and facilitator for our team, sharing lead guard responsibilities with Conner Frankamp.” When choosing to participate in the TBT, Martin emphasized that the AfterShocks’ track record of victories and strong fan base were pivotal factors. “The environment here is always electric and helps prepare me for my overseas engagements,” Martin remarked. “There’s intense competition, and while we’re all here to compete for the prize money, I also aim to hone my skills by facing top-tier opponents at full game speed in preparation for the upcoming season.” The AfterShocks are banking on Martin’s offensive prowess to propel them to the finals for a shot at the $1 million jackpot.
His agility makes him a threat attacking the rim, and his silky left-handed jump shot has troubled defenders for years. In particular, his step-back move leading into a three-pointer has become a lethal weapon in his arsenal. As he wraps up his fifth professional season, Martin believes his game has never been more refined. “I continually sense improvement and growth each year,” Martin articulated.
“The key factor is that the game is becoming more manageable for me. There are different levels to this sport, and I’m focused on giving myself the best opportunity to succeed, given the undeniable potential of this team.”
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