Damian Martin

{{About|the basketball player|the makeup artist|Damian Martin (make-up artist)|the hurler|Damien Martin|the cricket player|Damien Martyn}}

{{Infobox basketball biography

| name = Damian Martin

| image = Damian Martin 8.jpg

| caption = Martin in March 2017

| position = Point guard

| height_cm = 186

| weight_kg = 91

| league =

| team =

| number =

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1984|9|5}}

| birth_place = Gloucester, New South Wales, Australia

| high_school =

Gloucester
(Gloucester, New South Wales)
Lake Ginninderra (Canberra, ACT)

| college = Loyola Marymount (2003–2007)

| draft_year = 2008

| career_start = 2002

| career_end = 2020

| years1 = 2002–2003

| team1 = Australian Institute of Sport

| years2 = 2007–2009

| team2 = West Sydney Razorbacks / Sydney Spirit

| years3 = 2009

| team3 = Parramatta Wildcats

| years4 = 2009–2020

| team4 = Perth Wildcats

| years5 = 2010

| team5 = East Perth Eagles

| highlights =

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

| medaltemplates =

{{MedalCountry|{{bk|Australia}}}}

}}

Damian Patrick Martin (born 5 September 1984) is an Australian former professional basketball player. He played four years of college basketball in the United States for the Loyola Marymount Lions before playing 13 years in the National Basketball League (NBL). After two seasons with the West Sydney Razorbacks / Sydney Spirit, he joined the Perth Wildcats in 2009 and won six NBL championships in 11 seasons. He also won the NBL Best Defensive Player Award six times, leading to the league naming the trophy after him upon his retirement.

Early life and career

Martin was born in Gloucester, New South Wales.{{cite web|url=http://www.lmulions.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/martin_damian00.html|title=Damian Martin|work=lmulions.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160224084737/http://www.lmulions.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/martin_damian00.html|archive-date=24 February 2016}} He attended Gloucester High School, where he initially played rugby league.

As a 15-year-old at the NSW Institute of Sport, Martin was encouraged by Rob Beveridge to concentrate on basketball.[https://www.perthnow.com.au/news/wa/switch-from-rugby-move-to-perth-leads-damian-martin-to-boomers-ng-826f3d8061d696ca9cc6a1357149128b Switch from rugby, move to Perth leads Damian Martin to Boomers] He later moved to Canberra to attend the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and Lake Ginninderra Secondary College.

In 2002 and 2003, Martin played for the AIS in the South East Australian Basketball League (SEABL).{{cite web|url=http://www.ausport.gov.au/ais/sports/basketball/athletes/past_athletes |title=Past Athletes |work=ausport.gov.au |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140212073754/http://www.ausport.gov.au/ais/sports/basketball/athletes/past_athletes |archive-date=12 February 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://websites.sportstg.com/team_info.cgi?action=PSTATS&pID=194501658&client=0-3363-150604-104104-4362809|title=Player statistics for Damian Martin – SEABL|work=SportTG.com|access-date=5 September 2019}} He subsequently went on to play for the Australian national junior team at the 2003 FIBA Under-19 World Championship, where he won a gold medal.[https://www.smh.com.au/sport/big-bucks-from-the-big-buck-bogut-gets-into-the-spirit-to-help-old-mates-20081204-gdt59w.html Big bucks from the big Buck? Bogut gets into the Spirit to help old mates]

College career

Between 2003 and 2007, Martin played college basketball in the United States for the Loyola Marymount Lions. As a freshman in 2003–04, he was earned WCC All-Freshman Team honours. An Achilles tendon injury saw him miss the entire 2005–06 season. He returned to the team for the 2006–07 season and was the WCC Defensive Player of the Year.{{cite web |title=NBL.com: Martin prepares for NBL |url=https://lmulions.com/news/2007/7/6/NBL_com_Martin_prepares_for_NBL |website=Loyola Marymount Lions |access-date=13 December 2023 |date=6 July 2007}} Martin was eligible for a fifth season in 2007–08 but elected to pursue a professional career.{{cite web |title=Martin Going Pro |url=https://lmulions.com/news/2007/7/6/Martin_Going_Pro |website=Loyola Marymount Lions |access-date=13 December 2023 |date=6 July 2007}} In three seasons, he played 88 games with 69 starts and averaged 4.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.8 steals per game.[https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/damian-martin-1.html Damian Martin Stats]

Professional career

=West Sydney Razorbacks / Sydney Spirit (2007–2009)=

Martin began his professional career with the West Sydney Razorbacks of the National Basketball League, but suffered a season-ending knee injury ten games into the 2007–08 NBL season.{{cite web |title=Hinson keeps Razorbacks in touch of top eight |date=2007-11-29 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/basketball/hinson-keeps-razorbacks-in-touch-of-top-eight-20071129-gdrpk5.html}}

Following the Sydney Kings' withdrawal from the NBL, the Razorbacks re-branded as the Sydney Spirit for the 2008–09 season.{{cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2008-07-14/nbl-gives-sydney-spirit/2593424|title=NBL gives Sydney Spirit|work=abc.net.au|date=14 July 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221030071613/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2008-07-14/nbl-gives-sydney-spirit/2593424|archive-date=30 October 2022}} Martin subsequently returned to the franchise for a second season.{{cite web|last=Wilson|first=Chris|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/sydney-spirit-set-to-be-launched/story-e6freyj0-1111116896829|title=Sydney Spirit set to be launched|work=dailytelegraph.com.au|date=13 July 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160724042523/http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/sydney-spirit-set-to-be-launched/story-e6freyj0-1111116896829|archive-date=24 July 2016}} The Spirit quickly fell into financial difficulty and were saved from collapse mid season thanks to a rescue package from the NBL.{{cite web|url=http://www.nbl.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=76778|title=Statement on Sydney Spirit|work=NBL.com.au|date=25 November 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090710081407/http://www.nbl.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=767783|archive-date=10 July 2009|access-date=30 October 2022}}{{cite web|url=http://www.nbl.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=76969|title=Blagoj Janev joins Spirit|work=NBL.com.au|date=16 December 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081218000410/http://www.nbl.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=76969|archive-date=18 December 2008|access-date=30 October 2022}} The players and coaches all took significant pay cuts,{{cite web|url=http://www.nbl.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=76979|title=Spirit won't change game plan|work=NBL.com.au|date=17 December 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090112123025/http://www.nbl.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=76979|archive-date=12 January 2009|access-date=30 October 2022}} with the entire team agreeing to live off just $150,000 between them to keep the franchise going—roughly $700 per week for Martin. Furthermore, Martin played much of the season with a broken wrist.{{cite web|last=Proszenko|first=Adrian|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/thats-the-spirit-martin-plays-with-broken-wrist-20081207-gdt5oe.html|title=That's the Spirit - Martin plays with broken wrist|work=smh.com.au|date=7 December 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20231120133058/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/thats-the-spirit-martin-plays-with-broken-wrist-20081207-gdt5oe.html|archive-date=20 November 2023}}{{cite web|last=Woods|first=Dan|url=https://nbl.com.au/news/remember-when-the-sydney-spirit|title=Remember When: The Sydney Spirit|work=NBL.com.au|date=25 November 2023|access-date=25 November 2023}}

In the 2009 off-season, Martin played for the Parramatta Wildcats in the Waratah League.{{cite web|url=https://websites.mygameday.app/assoc_page.cgi?c=1-4878-0-0-0&sID=62775&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=10647454|title=Round 7 Game Reports|work=Waratah Basketball League|access-date=20 November 2023}}

=Perth Wildcats (2009–2020)=

File:Damian Martin 2014.jpg

Martin joined the Perth Wildcats for the 2009–10 NBL season.[https://web.archive.org/web/20141027164412/http://wwos.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=841353 Perth Wildcats sign new import] In his first season, he helped the Wildcats finish the regular season in first place with a 17–11 record and reach the NBL Grand Final.{{cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2010-02-23/wildcats-advance-to-nbl-grand-final/340998|title=Wildcats advance to NBL grand final|work=abc.net.au|date=23 February 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221030081504/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2010-02-23/wildcats-advance-to-nbl-grand-final/340998|archive-date=30 October 2022}} In the grand final series, the Wildcats defeated the Wollongong Hawks 2–1 to win the championship.{{cite web|url=http://www.nbl.com.au/index.php?id=15&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=15587&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=4&cHash=020aba5da3|title=Lisch leads 'Cats to record fifth title|work=NBL.com.au|date=12 March 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100315151311/http://www.nbl.com.au/index.php?id=15&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=15587&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=4&cHash=020aba5da3|archive-date=15 March 2010|access-date=30 October 2022}}

In the 2010 off-season, Martin played for the East Perth Eagles in the State Basketball League.{{cite web|url=https://websites.mygameday.app/assoc_page.cgi?c=0-5011-0-0-0&sID=78732&&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=12783447|title=Martin makes Boomers team|work=WA State Basketball League|access-date=20 November 2023}}

In the 2010–11 season, Martin won the NBL Best Defensive Player Award and was named to the All-NBL First Team.{{cite web|url=http://www.nbl.com.au/news/article/2011/april/wildcats-buzzsaw-martin-named-nbls-best-defensive-player/|title=Wildcats Buzzsaw Martin named NBL's Best Defensive Player|work=NBL.com.au|date=5 April 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110406122807/http://www.nbl.com.au/news/article/2011/april/wildcats-buzzsaw-martin-named-nbls-best-defensive-player/|archive-date=6 April 2011}}{{cite web|url=http://www.nbl.com.au/news/article/2011/april/all-nbl-teams-named-for-201011-season/|title=All-NBL Teams named for 2010/11 season|work=NBL.com.au|date=5 April 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110406122722/http://www.nbl.com.au/news/article/2011/april/all-nbl-teams-named-for-201011-season/|archive-date=6 April 2011}} The Wildcats finished fourth with a 16–12 record and lost 2–1 in the semi-finals to the New Zealand Breakers.

In the 2011–12 season, Martin won his second straight NBL Best Defensive Player Award.{{cite web|last=Washbourne|first=Michael|url=http://www.perthnow.com.au/archive/sport/perth-wildcats-star-kevin-lisch-crowned-nbls-most-valuable-player/news-story/d06ac72336cc4741eed3db3856e2571b|title=Perth Wildcats star Kevin Lisch crowned NBL's most valuable player|work=PerthNow.com.au|date=26 March 2012|access-date=15 September 2017}} He helped the Wildcats reach the NBL Grand Final series, where they lost 2–1 to the New Zealand Breakers.

In the 2012–13 season, Martin won his third straight NBL Best Defensive Player Award.{{cite web|url=http://www.wildcats.com.au/article/id/lsevh8v6wtbn173n6br3q3flf|title=Award-winning Wildcats|work=Wildcats.com.au|date=24 March 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141027100801/http://www.wildcats.com.au/article/id/lsevh8v6wtbn173n6br3q3flf|archive-date=27 October 2014}} In January 2013, Martin was named co-captain of the Wildcats alongside Shawn Redhage.[https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/basketball/damian-martin-named-perth-wildcats-co-captain/news-story/897b9e2194b54137e4ab3d4be7c9f819 Damian Martin named Perth Wildcats co-captain]{{cite web|last=Beveridge|first=Rob|url=https://thewest.com.au/sport/basketball/bevos-brief-promotion-right-for-martin-ng-ya-284145|title=Bevo's brief: Promotion right for Martin|work=TheWest.com.au|date=16 January 2013|accessdate=2 February 2017}} He missed the 2013 grand final series with a partial tear of his Achilles tendon.[https://web.archive.org/web/20141027100811/http://www.wildcats.com.au/article/id/1uv6nk9xhi2er1gdimszf1twpy Damian Martin ruled out of grand final series][https://web.archive.org/web/20141027100806/http://www.wildcats.com.au/article/id/1rcpwbb305h1c12wosw2gdwvaq Perth Wildcats eliminate Wollongong in thriller]

For the 2013–14 season, Martin was named sole captain of the Wildcats.[https://web.archive.org/web/20141027093743/http://www.wildcats.com.au/article/id/11stp27nivxhz1hp5vo08w6ly9 Damian Martin named Perth Wildcats captain] He won his fourth straight NBL Best Defensive Player Award.[https://web.archive.org/web/20141027093446/http://www.wildcats.com.au/article/id/d4z7pbnuzdcx13lkkz6imr36o Award Winning Wildcats][https://web.archive.org/web/20141027094647/http://www.nbl.com.au/article/id/sd3x7dznedu216xhw4bzmkcb2 Martin strengthens claims as NBL's best defender] He helped the Wildcats reach a third straight grand final, where they defeated the Adelaide 36ers 2–1 to win the NBL championship.{{cite web|url=http://www.nbl.com.au/article/id/hw7inkap3lvp1sya2oli02jiw |title=GF Report: Perth thrash 36ers, claim sixth title |work=NBL.com.au |date=13 April 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413132200/http://www.nbl.com.au/article/id/hw7inkap3lvp1sya2oli02jiw |archive-date=13 April 2014}}

On 14 May 2014, Martin re-signed with the Wildcats on a two-year deal (with the option of a third).{{cite web|url=http://www.wildcats.com.au/article/id/ybxxljpbjjqm11lrhh6xpelb0 |title=Perth Wildcats re-sign Championship captain |work=Wildcats.com.au |date=14 May 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141024172444/http://www.wildcats.com.au/article/id/ybxxljpbjjqm11lrhh6xpelb0 |archive-date=24 October 2014}} In October 2014, he had a game with nine steals, the second most in club history behind Ricky Grace's 10 in 1990.{{cite web|url=http://www.wildcats.com.au/article/id/m8sq6a3ph621hytnb87v6wr7 |title=Perth Wildcats smash Sydney Kings at Perth Arena |work=Wildcats.com.au |date=24 October 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141024154020/http://www.wildcats.com.au/article/id/m8sq6a3ph621hytnb87v6wr7 |archive-date=24 October 2014}} He was subsequently named Player of the Week for round three.[https://web.archive.org/web/20141028133030/http://www.nbl.com.au/article/id/cmcgnu1rvjs51ox1hxp6l957v R3: Player of the Week] He played his 200th NBL game during the 2014–15 season[https://web.archive.org/web/20141231110141/http://www.wildcats.com.au/article/id/1f48ff5v5v6jn1hx8fozopuf9a Damian Martin - 200 NBL Games][https://web.archive.org/web/20141231104753/http://www.nbl.com.au/article/id/q9hdilq2l1za13mooid7acflg R13 Preview: Martin's 200th falls into place nicely][https://web.archive.org/web/20141231104408/http://www.nbl.com.au/article/id/5y4jnfiipkb71it676ahca6fn R13 Report: Wildcats spoil the party in Wollongong] and won his fifth straight NBL Best Defensive Player Award.[https://web.archive.org/web/20150307043417/http://www.nbl.com.au/article/id/dpao2tf6cmuq1g3fg0gzt5m6m NBL Awards: Defensive Player of the Year]

On 4 November 2015, Martin suffered a broken jaw and missing teeth following an errant elbow from Townsville Crocodiles forward Brian Conklin.[http://www.foxsports.com.au/basketball/nbl/brian-conklin-elbows-damian-martin-for-suspected-broken-jaw-in-townsville-v-perth-nbl-clash/news-story/428f68d38172d9d75283566b48d69872 Damian Martin suffers broken jaw in Townsville Crocodiles v Perth Wildcats NBL clash][http://www.wildcats.com.au/featured-news/damian-martin-to-return-from-injury/ DAMIAN MARTIN TO RETURN FROM INJURY] He played his 200th game for the Wildcats during the 2015–16 NBL season.[http://www.wildcats.com.au/featured-news/damian-martin-200-perth-wildcats-games/ Damian Martin – 200 Perth Wildcats Games][http://www.wildcats.com.au/featured-news/perth-wildcats-take-game-one-against-hawks/ PERTH WILDCATS TAKE GAME ONE AGAINST HAWKS] The team finished second with an 18–10 record and defeated the Illawarra Hawks 2–1 in the semi-finals. In the grand final series, the Wildcats defeated the New Zealand Breakers 2–1 to win the NBL championship.{{cite news |url=http://www.wildcats.com.au/featured-news/perth-wildcats-2016-nbl-champions/ |title=PERTH WILDCATS – 2016 NBL CHAMPIONS |work=Wildcats.com.au |date=6 March 2016 |access-date=6 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309191938/http://www.wildcats.com.au/featured-news/perth-wildcats-2016-nbl-champions/ |archive-date=9 March 2016 |url-status=dead }} Martin was named Grand Final MVP.{{Cite web |url=http://www.nbl.com.au/featured-news/gf3-report-wildcats-break-nz-hoodoo-for-another-title/ |title=GF3 REPORT: WILDCATS BREAK NZ HOODOO FOR ANOTHER TITLE |access-date=6 March 2016 |archive-date=8 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308084946/http://www.nbl.com.au/featured-news/gf3-report-wildcats-break-nz-hoodoo-for-another-title/ |url-status=dead }}{{Cite web |url=http://www.wildcats.com.au/featured-news/28560/ |title=DAMIAN MARTIN – GRAND FINAL MVP |access-date=8 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160402050837/http://www.wildcats.com.au/featured-news/28560/ |archive-date=2 April 2016 |url-status=dead }}

File:Damian Martin 5.jpg

On 2 June 2016, Martin signed a new three-year deal with the Wildcats.[http://www.wildcats.com.au/featured-news/damian-martin-extends-wildcats-contract/ DAMIAN MARTIN EXTENDS WILDCATS CONTRACT] He was sidelined early in the 2016–17 NBL season with a head and knee injury.{{Cite web |url=http://www.wildcats.com.au/perth-wildcats/martin-kenny-ruled-injury/ |title=MARTIN, KENNY RULED OUT WITH INJURY |access-date=25 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161025184240/http://www.wildcats.com.au/perth-wildcats/martin-kenny-ruled-injury/ |archive-date=25 October 2016 |url-status=dead }}[http://www.wildcats.com.au/perth-wildcats/scans-reveal-mcl-tear-martin/ SCANS REVEAL MCL TEAR FOR MARTIN]{{Cite web |url=http://www.wildcats.com.au/perth-wildcats/cotton-delivers-wildcats-defeat-kings/ |title=COTTON DELIVERS AS WILDCATS DEFEAT KINGS |access-date=7 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108093422/http://www.wildcats.com.au/perth-wildcats/cotton-delivers-wildcats-defeat-kings/ |archive-date=8 January 2017 |url-status=dead }} He played his 250th NBL game in January.[http://www.nbl.com.au/featured-news/cats-move-third-martins-250th/ 'CATS MOVE TO THIRD IN MARTIN'S 250TH] The Wildcats finished the regular season in third place with a 15–13 record, and played the second-seeded Cairns Taipans in the semi-finals, a series the Wildcats swept 2–0. The series sweep advanced the Wildcats into the NBL Grand Final for the sixth time in eight years. In the best-of-five grand final series against the Illawarra Hawks, Martin helped the Wildcats win 3–0 to claim the championship.{{Cite web |url=http://www.nbl.com.au/featured-news/desperate-cats-hustle-hawks-take-game-1/ |title=DESPERATE 'CATS OUT-HUSTLE HAWKS TO TAKE GAME 1 |access-date=5 March 2017 |archive-date=20 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170320184802/http://www.nbl.com.au/featured-news/desperate-cats-hustle-hawks-take-game-1/ |url-status=dead }}{{Cite web |url=http://www.nbl.com.au/featured-news/copybook-cats-repeat-dose-minus-knight-take-2-0-lead/ |title=COPYBOOK 'CATS REPEAT DOSE MINUS KNIGHT, TAKE 2-0 LEAD |access-date=5 March 2017 |archive-date=2 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170302193700/http://www.nbl.com.au/featured-news/copybook-cats-repeat-dose-minus-knight-take-2-0-lead/ |url-status=dead }}{{Cite web |url=http://www.nbl.com.au/featured-news/cotton-drops-45-complete-cats-gf-sweep/ |title=COTTON DROPS 45 TO COMPLETE 'CATS GF SWEEP |access-date=5 March 2017 |archive-date=5 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170305193837/http://www.nbl.com.au/featured-news/cotton-drops-45-complete-cats-gf-sweep/ |url-status=dead }}{{Cite web |url=http://www.wildcats.com.au/perth-wildcats/perth-wildcats-win-back-back-nbl-championships/ |title=PERTH WILDCATS WIN BACK-TO-BACK NBL CHAMPIONSHIPS |access-date=5 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170305193200/http://www.wildcats.com.au/perth-wildcats/perth-wildcats-win-back-back-nbl-championships/ |archive-date=5 March 2017 |url-status=dead }}[http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2017/02/23/wildcat-martin-hopes-special-nbl-title Wildcat Martin hopes for special NBL title]

Martin played his 250th game for the Wildcats during the 2017–18 NBL season[http://www.wildcats.com.au/news/article/36492-damian-martin-250-perth-wildcats-games Damian Martin - 250 Perth Wildcats Games] and won the NBL Best Defensive Player Award for a record-breaking sixth time.{{cite web|url=https://www.wildcats.com.au/news/article/damian-martin-wins-sixth-best-defensive-player-award|title=Damian Martin wins SIXTH Best Defensive Player award|work=Wildcats.com.au|date=27 February 2018|access-date=27 February 2018}}

File:Damian Martin and Angus Brandt 01.jpg

In the 2018–19 NBL season, Martin missed six games early with a low grade tear to his right calf muscle.{{cite web|url=http://www.wildcats.com.au/news/article/damian-martin-sidelined-2|title=Damian Martin sidelined|work=Wildcats.com.au|date=2 November 2018|access-date=2 November 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/damian-martin-still-missing-for-wildcats|title=Damian Martin still missing for Wildcats|work=SBS.com.au|date=22 November 2018|access-date=10 February 2019|quote=Damian Martin has been absent for four games and will miss another two.}} Coach Trevor Gleeson credited Martin's late-season form as one of the key reasons for the Wildcats riding a wave of momentum towards the finals.{{cite web|last=O'Donoghue|first=Craig|url=https://thewest.com.au/sport/perth-wildcats/damian-martin-central-to-perth-wildcats-momentum-swing-trevor-gleeson-ng-b881099361z|title=Damian Martin central to Perth Wildcats' momentum swing: Trevor Gleeson|work=TheWest.com.au|date=9 February 2019|access-date=10 February 2019}} The Wildcats finished with an 18–10 record to claim the minor premiership, before going on to reach the NBL Grand Final series, where they defeated Melbourne United 3–1 to win the championship. Martin and long-time teammate Jesse Wagstaff became the first players in NBL history to win five championships with just one club.{{cite web|url=https://nbl.com.au/news/wildcats-clinch-ninth-championship-on-the-road|title=Wildcats Clinch Ninth Championship on the Road|work=NBL.com.au|date=17 March 2019|access-date=11 March 2023|archive-date=11 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311135335/https://nbl.com.au/news/wildcats-clinch-ninth-championship-on-the-road|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wildcats.com.au/news/article/wildcats-claim-ninth-championship|title=Wildcats claim Ninth Championship!|work=Wildcats.com.au|date=17 March 2019|access-date=17 March 2019|archive-date=29 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329035314/http://www.wildcats.com.au/news/article/wildcats-claim-ninth-championship|url-status=dead}}

On 5 April 2019, Martin re-signed with the Wildcats for the 2019–20 season.{{cite web | url=http://www.nbl.com.au/news/article/wildcats-championship-duo-re-sign | title=Wildcats Championship Duo Re-Sign | work=NBL.com.au | date=5 April 2019 | access-date=5 April 2019 | archive-date=15 February 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215142119/https://nbl.com.au/news/article/wildcats-championship-duo-re-sign | url-status=dead }} In December 2019, he played his 300th game for the Wildcats.{{cite web | url=http://www.wildcats.com.au/news/article/damian-martin-to-join-wildcats-300-club | title=Damian Martin to join Wildcats 300 club | work=Wildcats.com.au | date=12 December 2019 | access-date=12 December 2019}}{{cite web | url=https://nbl.com.au/news/wildcats-keep-winning-in-martins-300th | title=Wildcats Keep Winning in Martin's 300th | work=NBL.com.au | date=14 December 2019 | access-date=14 December 2019}} He missed the entire month of January with a left heel injury,{{cite web | url=http://www.wildcats.com.au/news/article/damian-martin-injury-update | title=Damian Martin Injury Update | work=Wildcats.com.au | date=31 December 2019 | access-date=31 December 2019 | archive-date=31 December 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191231045355/http://www.wildcats.com.au/news/article/damian-martin-injury-update | url-status=dead }} returning for the final two regular season games.{{cite web | url=https://nbl.com.au/news/wildcats-lock-in-second-make-bullets-job-tough | title=Wildcats Lock in Second, Make Bullets' Job Tough | work=NBL.com.au | date=9 February 2020 | access-date=9 February 2020 | archive-date=15 February 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215142113/https://nbl.com.au/news/wildcats-lock-in-second-make-bullets-job-tough | url-status=dead }}{{cite web | url=http://www.wildcats.com.au/news/article/bullet-proof-wildcats-defeat-brisbane | title=Bullet-proof Wildcats defeat Brisbane | work=Wildcats.com.au | date=9 February 2020 | access-date=9 February 2020 | archive-date=15 February 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215142110/http://www.wildcats.com.au/news/article/bullet-proof-wildcats-defeat-brisbane | url-status=dead }} In March 2020, he was crowned an NBL champion for the sixth time,{{cite web|url=http://www.wildcats.com.au/news/article/perth-wildcats-back-to-back-nbl-champions|title=Perth Wildcats Back-to-Back NBL Champions|work=Wildcats.com.au|date=19 March 2020|access-date=19 March 2020|archive-date=21 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321121344/http://www.wildcats.com.au/news/article/perth-wildcats-back-to-back-nbl-champions|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://nbl.com.au/news/perth-wildcats-crowned-nbl20-champions|title=Perth Wildcats Crowned NBL20 Champions|work=NBL.com.au|date=19 March 2020|access-date=19 March 2020|archive-date=19 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319042337/https://nbl.com.au/news/perth-wildcats-crowned-nbl20-champions|url-status=dead}} becoming one of just four players in NBL history to win six titles, with he and teammate Jesse Wagstaff the only to do it at one club.{{cite web | url=https://www.wildcats.com.au/news/legendary-wildcat-damian-martin-announces-retirement | title=Legendary Wildcat Damian Martin Announces Retirement | work=Wildcats.com.au | date=21 July 2020 | access-date=21 July 2020 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721042026/https://www.wildcats.com.au/news/legendary-wildcat-damian-martin-announces-retirement | archive-date=21 July 2020}} Following the season, it was revealed Martin had played through the year with an Achilles injury that required a post-season reconstruction.{{cite web | url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/basketball/nbl-news-damian-martin-retires-perth-wildcats-achilles-injury/news-story/22b0a785c2512061f77c6402e7448704 | title=Six-time NBL champion calls time on incredible career | work=FoxSports.com.au | date=21 July 2020 | access-date=21 July 2020}}{{cite web | last=Wildie | first=Tom | url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-21/perth-wildcats-captain-damian-martin-retires-from-nbl-basketball/12166964 | title=Damian Martin retires from Perth Wildcats after decorated NBL career featuring six titles | publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation| date=21 July 2020 | access-date=21 July 2020}}

On 21 July 2020, Martin announced his retirement from basketball after 13 seasons in the NBL and 342 games. Upon retiring, the league named its Best Defensive Player trophy in honour of Martin.{{cite web | url=https://nbl.com.au/news/nbl-to-honour-damian-martin | title=NBL to Honour Damian Martin | work=NBL.com.au | date=21 July 2020 | access-date=21 July 2020}}

On 4 February 2024, the Wildcats retired Martin's number 53 jersey.{{cite web|url=https://www.wildcats.com.au/news/legendary-former-captain-martins-no53-jersey-to-be-retired|title=Legendary former captain Martin's No.53 jersey to be retired|work=Wildcats.com.au|date=20 November 2023|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120141200/https://www.wildcats.com.au/news/legendary-former-captain-martins-no53-jersey-to-be-retired|archive-date=20 November 2023}}{{cite web|last=O'Donoghue|first=Craig|url=https://thewest.com.au/sport/perth-wildcats/former-perth-wildcats-captain-damian-martin-to-have-his-number-53-jersey-retired-by-the-club-c-12619578|title=Former Perth Wildcats captain Damian Martin to have his number 53 jersey retired by the club|work=The West Australian|date=20 November 2023|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20231120143159/https://thewest.com.au/sport/perth-wildcats/former-perth-wildcats-captain-damian-martin-to-have-his-number-53-jersey-retired-by-the-club-c-12619578|archive-date=20 November 2023}}{{cite web|last=Woods|first=Dan|url=https://nbl.com.au/news/why-martin-chose-number-53|title=Why Martin chose number 53|work=NBL.com.au|date=21 November 2023|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121094747/https://nbl.com.au/news/why-martin-chose-number-53|archive-date=21 November 2023}}{{cite web|last=O'Donoghue|first=Craig|url=https://thewest.com.au/sport/perth-wildcats/perth-wildcats-retire-former-captain-damian-martins-famous-number-53-jersey-at-rac-arena-c-13465003|title=Perth Wildcats retire former captain Damian Martin's famous number 53 jersey at RAC Arena|work=The West Australian|date=4 February 2024|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240204111345/https://thewest.com.au/sport/perth-wildcats/perth-wildcats-retire-former-captain-damian-martins-famous-number-53-jersey-at-rac-arena-c-13465003|archive-date=4 February 2024}}

National team career

Martin played for the Australian Boomers at the 2009 FIBA Oceania Championship, 2010 FIBA World Championship,[https://web.archive.org/web/20100820145238/http://www.nbl.com.au/wildcats-home/news/article/2010/august/martin-thrilled-with-boomers-honour/ Martin thrilled with Boomers' honour] 2011 London Invitational Tournament, 2011 FIBA Oceania Championship, 2016 Rio Olympics,[http://www.wildcats.com.au/featured-news/damian-martin-selected-boomers-team/ DAMIAN MARTIN SELECTED IN BOOMERS TEAM][http://www.watoday.com.au/sport/basketball/perth-wildcats-damian-martin-named-in-12-man-australian-boomers-team-ahead-of-rio-olympics-20160711-gq2zb3.html Perth Wildcat's Damian Martin named in 12 man Australian Boomers team ahead of Rio Olympics] and 2019 FIBA World Cup qualifiers.{{cite web|url=https://www.fiba.basketball/en/player/143405/Damian-Patrick-Martin|title=Damian Patrick Martin|work=fiba.basketball|access-date=20 November 2023}}

Career statistics

Source:{{Cite web |title=Damian Martin |url=https://nbl.com.au/player/3692/29865/damian-martin |access-date=2024-11-22 |website=NBL Official Website}}

class="wikitable" ! Season ! Team ! Games ! Minutes per Game ! FG% ! FT% ! Rebounds ! Assists ! Blocks ! Steals ! Turnovers ! Fouls ! Points per Game ! Total Points
2019-2020	Perth Wildcats	27	20.1	28	80	3.2	2.9	0.1	1.3	1.0	1.9	3.4	391
2018-2019	Perth Wildcats	28	25.2	37	67	3.4	3.9	0.1	1.6	0.9	2.1	5.4	561
2017-2018	Perth Wildcats	28	26.0	34	50	3.9	3.3	0.1	1.5	0.9	2.0	4.6	506
2016-2017	Perth Wildcats	22	28.6	39	42	4.8	3.3	0.2	1.7	1.3	2.6	4.8	431
2015-2016	Perth Wildcats	24	25.9	43	40	4.4	3.3	0.3	1.8	1.8	2.1	5.5	458
2014-2015	Perth Wildcats	30	32.4	37	67	5.8	4.1	0.2	2.7	1.8	2.4	6.2	756
2013-2014	Perth Wildcats	33	31.9	44	61	4.7	4.1	0.5	2.2	1.6	2.4	7.6	844
2012-2013	Perth Wildcats	29	27.1	38	67	4.9	3.2	0.6	1.9	1.4	1.9	6.5	644
2011-2012	Perth Wildcats	26	29.2	38	67	5.6	3.5	0.8	2.0	1.5	2.5	7.4	664
2010-2011	Perth Wildcats	31	26.7	40	68	5.5	3.2	0.5	2.4	1.7	2.6	8.8	825
2009-2010	Perth Wildcats	32	24.4	47	63	4.6	2.9	0.3	1.6	1.5	1.8	8.3	692
2008-2009	West Sydney Razorbacks	22	30.1	28	72	5.4	3.1	0.4	1.9	2.0	1.9	5.0	424
2007-2008	West Sydney Razorbacks	10	30.2	38	67	6.0	1.8	0.1	1.7	0.9	2.7	6.4	201

Personal life

Martin is the son of Anne and Raymond Martin, and has three brothers, Daniel, John and Anthony, and one sister, Beth.

Martin and his wife, Brittany,[https://web.archive.org/web/20150327161849/http://www.nbl.com.au/article/id/ckpmuo29iq0p1ls4tnl7du28g Player Piece: Damo's Dish] have three daughters.[http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/fairytale-beckons-for-damian-martin-and-family-ahead-of-nbl-grand-final-game-3/news-story/310878046464b8e04bc4ed78692ed769 Fairytale beckons for Damian Martin and family ahead of NBL Grand Final Game 3][https://98five.com/damian-martin-welcomes-baby-girl/ Congrats Skipper! Damian Martin welcomes 2nd Baby Girl]

In October 2024, Martin was appointed by the Fremantle Football Club to oversee their AFL Leadership program.{{cite news |title=Wildcats legend Damian Martin to join Fremantle |url=https://www.fremantlefc.com.au/news/1675378/wildcats-legend-damian-martin-to-join-fremantle |access-date=10 October 2024 |work=fremantlefc.com.au |date=9 October 2024 |language=en}}

References

External links

[https://web.archive.org/web/20071016110805/http://nbl.com.au/default.aspx?s=player-profile&id=805 NBL profile]
[https://web.archive.org/web/20160904164135/http://www.wildcats.com.au/player_profile/damian-martin/ Perth Wildcats profile]
[http://www.foxsportspulse.com/team_info.cgi?action=PSTATS&pID=190395566&client=0-189-12314-327335-19755590 NBL stats]
[http://www.nbl.com.au/featured-news/damian-martin-red-army-hero/ Damian Martin: Red Army Hero]
[http://www.wildcats.com.au/featured-news/most-inspiring-man/ Damian Martin: Most Inspiring Man]
[http://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/2016/08/12/australias-most-humble-rio-olympian-just-had-two-amazing-wins/ Australia's Most Humble Rio Olympian Just Had Two Amazing Wins]
[http://www.thesportssource.com.au/home/a-life-changing-phone-call A Life Changing Phone Call]
[http://www.nbl.com.au/news/article/three-hundred-games-later-rob-beveridge-and-damian-martin 300 Games Later: Rob Beveridge and Damian Martin]

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Category:1984 births

Category:Living people

Category:Australian men's basketball players

Category:Australian expatriate basketball people in the United States

Category:Australian Institute of Sport basketball players

Category:Basketball players at the 2016 Summer Olympics

Category:Loyola Marymount Lions men's basketball players

Category:Olympic basketball players for Australia

Category:People educated at Lake Ginninderra College

Category:Basketball players from New South Wales