Rob Martin is the dynamic sophomore point guard directing the offense of the CBC Cadets. Prior to arriving at CBC, Martin was already a household name at the grade school level because of his remarkable ball handling skills and standout play at national AAU events with the STL Knights and Bradley Beal Elite. The teams were dominant during the travel season with Martin at the helm, and he appeared in several viral videos showcasing his dribbling skills.
With a year under his belt at CBC, Martin’s ability to be a high-level facilitator are clearly shining through. Martin is at his best with the ball in his hands where he can score the ball and distribute. Martin’s ability to score was important during the season for the Cadets because they also suited up North Carolina bound guard Caleb Love. Love frequently draws the attention of the opponent and Rob has no problem making them pay. For instance, in the district title game against De Smet, Martin stepped forward to help with the scoring load as the Spartan’s attention was drawn to Love. As a scorer, the 5-10 Martin is a tough assignment. His ball quickness and foot speed has frequently cast defenders as unwitting co-stars in his highlight footage. Martin is currently averaging 10ppg, 5ast and shoots 41% from 3-point.
After defeating Francis Howell in the State Quarterfinals, Martin and the CBC Cadets were more than ready to march into the semifinal match against Kickapoo before the season was abruptly cut short due to the COVID-19 crisis. Against the Vikings, Martin recorded 15 points, three assists and two steals. The speedy guard also was 5 of 6 from the free throw line. Martin’s abilities have not gone unnoticed. He currently holds a Division 1 offer from Saint Louis University and has been hearing from several others. Here’s my Q & A with the young talent:
Q: You had big time name recognition in middle school hoops. Your role with CBC is a little different. You can obviously still “get a bucket,” but you’ve grown as a facilitator. How tough was the transition?
A: The transition wasn’t bad at all. I could always pass the ball at a high level, play without scoring, and control the game. It was a change but not so much of a big change, so it wasn’t as bad.
Q: You are a young point guard leading a team that has one of the best guards in the country. How much pressure does this place on you to perform each night out?
A: I don’t really believe in pressure. I just got out there and play my game. I know how to play the game of basketball, so I just do that each night. I mean there’s pressure, of course, but I have been doing it for so long so there’s no pressure.
Q: Your team has been in some real dog fights this year. What have you learned along the way? And how has this help your team continue towards its goal of being state champs?
A: Just being together and it’s only us. We had to stay focused on and off the court. We’ve been in some tough dog fights, as you said, but we were just getting better each day. Just being able to build a bond with my brothers off the court, when it was time to perform, we were together. No matter what the situation is, we always stayed together. I learned to play every game like it’s my last. I went out there and performed because I never knew when I would be able to play again so therefore, I gave it my all.
Q: There’s been a lot of fanfare around your team this season. How are you able to stay focused?
A: Coach always told us it’s going to be there so just keep our heads straight, so I really don’t get a big head and think just because we have the attention, or whatever the case may be, that it’s special because we still have to go out there and win when there’s cameras around or not.
Q: You’ve watched your teammate Caleb Love’s remarkable journey from being relatively unknown to national prominence. Has watching his experience been informative for you?
A: Of course, I’m trying to follow his footsteps and everything he tells me I’m listening. I’m working hard every day because he always told me that nothing will be given to me. I have to earn it. I remember that in my head every day and just try to be the best basketball player I can be.
Q: The Cadets are surrounded by experienced guards from all levels of play, including collegiate and pro. How have you benefitted from this support?
A: I have been able to benefit from our upperclassmen guards by learning early how to play at the varsity level. I learned what it’s going to take mentally and physically to have some success in our program. Being able to be challenged every day at practice learning how to play through the physical play has helped me through my journey.
Q: What helpful tips for success do you have for a young guard entering high school?
A: To the young guards, first thing is to be a leader no matter who you are playing with. Go out there and lead as a point guard. you have to talk so every practice talk, talk, talk, as well in the games you have to talk that was a big key my freshman year. Coach was on me hard because I wasn’t talking. I was quiet now, but now I’m talking the whole practice. Next thing would be that have to be able to take the bumps along the way. Guys will be stronger and faster, but they will have to fight through that and continue to work on their game. The last thing is don’t get to comfortable. your spot can be taken.
