We are pleased to inform you that we have signed a player contract (new) for the 2022-23 season with Kelvin Martin (former Heidelberg = Germany 1st Division).
Martin has a 10-year professional career in Europe, and has been active in the first division leagues of Italy and Germany for the past six seasons. He helped the team win the Basketball Champions League (BCL) in the 2018-19 season.
He has an all-around style that can handle everything from shooting guard to power forward, and in the 2021-22 season, he has an average of 10.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.1 steals (4th in the league) per game.
Please look forward to the success of Martin, who has a lot of experience in Europe.
Kelvin Martin
KELVIN MARTIN
Uniform number: 1
Position: SF/PF
Height/Weight: 196cm/95kg
Date of birth: September 10, 1989
Birthplace/Nationality: United States of America/USA
Career
Charleston Southern University （NCAA）
[2012-14] Matrixx Magixx Nijmegen (Netherlands 1st Division)
[2014-15] MLP Academics Heidelberg (Germany 2nd Division)
[2015-16]Moncada Energy Agrigento (Italian Division 2)
[2016-17] MHP RIESEN Ludwigsburg (Germany 1st Division – Bundesliga, Champions League Basketball Champions League)
∟Basketball Champions League Best 4
[2017-18] Vanoli Cremona (Italian Division 1-SerieA)
[2018-19] Virtus Segafredo Bolognoa (Italian Division 1-SerieA, Champions League Basketball Champions League)
∟Basketball Champions League Winner
[2019-20] Happy Casa Brindisi (Italian Division 1-SerieA, Champions League Basketball Champions League)
[2020-21] Dolomiti Energia Trentino (Italian Division 1-SerieA, Eurocup FIBA Euro Cup)
[2021-22] MLP Academics Heidelberg (Germany 1st Division – Bundesliga)
Comment from Kelvin Martin
I’m very excited to be coming to Japan and playing for the Shiga Lakes.
It’s been a dream of mine to visit Japan but to be able to play here too is a blessing. I’m looking forward to meeting the staff, my teammates, as well as the fans.
I’ve been in Europe for the last 10 years and to be able to go and learn a different culture and experience something I’ve always wanted to see is going to be fun.
I’m looking forward to getting on the court and competing to win!
I am very much looking forward to going to Japan and playing for Shiga Lakes.
It has been one of my dreams to visit Japan, and I am very honored to be able to play as a player. We are looking forward to seeing our staff, teammates and fans.
I’ve built up my career in Europe for 10 years so far, but I’m looking forward to being able to experience new cultures and experiences.
I can’t wait to get on the court and fight for victory!
Luis Gill HC Comment
Kelvin is a hard worker, well known from being a tough defender (last year 2.1 steals per game).
He is a player who put the team in front of him. Leftie player who is aggressive to the basket, great in transition game and we want to play fast.
He will adapt very good to the physicality and quick game we want to implemen.
He has a very good pull up jumper and he plays very very physical. He will be one of the leaders in defense and we can’t wait for him to come here
Kelvin is a hard worker and also known as a tough defender (2.1 steals last season). He always puts the team first and is a left-handed player whose strength is his aggressive attack.
He has a jump shot and is physically strong, so we can expect him to be our defense leader. I can’t wait to join him.
Kosuke Yawata AGM/AC Comment
I think some people are worried about Martin’s height, which is a little undersized for a foreign player, but I think he’s a player who can turn that anxiety into anticipation and excitement.
Hungry to win, a hard worker and a great team player. Even in the clubs I’ve crossed so far, I’ve been very active in the role that the team wants. I expect him to be a player who has not only the system of the team but also the potential and skills that can be relied on when the time comes.
He is one of the players who puts pressure on the defense that HC Luis Gill wants and is a great fit for the fast-paced basketball from there. Thank you all for your support, Martin.