Cartier Martin was the talk around the gym earlier this month at Iowa Energy Media Day, almost always being described as a leader of the new-look Iowa Energy team. That leadership has shown during the first two games of the 2015-16 Season.
The 6’7″ forward lead Iowa’s comeback against Sioux Falls on Opening Night, making most of the plays himself. He then again contributed to a comeback win against Idaho on Wednesday, settling the Energy at 2-0 on the season.
“He’s a leader, he’s certainly a leader. I’m not the kind of coach to say ‘you’re a captain, you’re a captain,” Iowa Energy Head Coach Bob Donewald Jr. said. “Before the jump ball goes and the referees call the captains up, the leaders will go up there.”
Martin was selected by Iowa in the first round of the 2015 D-League draft.
“(Getting drafted by Iowa) was a privilege,” Martin said. “I have a little relationship with this team from previous years. To know that they wanted me to come back is exciting.”
Martin will be back in Big 12 Country when the Energy open the season this week, as he played his college ball at Kansas State.
“It feels good to be back in the Midwest, I’m not really looking forward to the cold weather that’s coming up,” Martin said. But I’m excited about the season and what our team will bring to the table.”
Martin is trying to lead the team this season, as an established veteran in the league.
“My goal is just to get better as a player, develop my game, and help develop this team with me being a more experienced guy. My leadership is going to be challenged so that’s one thing I’m looking forward to,” Martin said. “A goal I’m trying to reach is being a better leader and developing my game to another level.”
“With my experience of playing in the NBA awhile, being here (NBADL) a little bit, I’ll probably take over that role of being the leader of the team, being the captain. (I’ll be) trying to get these guys motivated for games and different situations so that we’re ready and we take advantage of every opportunity.”
Martin’s experienced has played a big role so far, the team found themselves down 85-78 with 7:31 to go in the game. Martin lead the team and scored nine of the final 20 points for Iowa to win game one of the season.
Martin helped Iowa with 21 points in the commanding win over Idaho, while teammate Perry Jones scored 35 and added 14 boards.
Martin leads the team with 26.5 points per game, good enough for third in the NBA.
“(Having Martin is) heaven sent, you get some guys that get sent down that just don’t want to be there, he is hungry to be here. I text my players quite a bit, he texted me the other day, he said ‘Coach, thanks for letting me share with these guys. That’s kind of where his head is, he’s enjoying teaching,” Donewald said. “A lot of it is just his actions, as soon as he comes into the gym he has his routine. As pro’s do, pro’s in any sport they have a routine. He gets to his ball handling, he gets to his stretching, he gets to his shooting and for young guys like Andrew to watch, and to hear and learn, it’s just an incredible experience.”
Saturday’s home opener against Grand Rapids will tip off at 7:00 pm CT and can be watched via the D-League’s YouTube channel free of charge.
