LSU Basketball Spotlight: Jarell Martin

While LSU adds three new starters this season, two of LSU's more dominant players are back. Today we look at Shooting Forward, Jarell Martin, and what he brings to the court for LSU. At LSU Basketball media day, Coach Jones named Jarell Martin the most improved returning player from the offseason.

After going down with an ankle injury just a minute into the season, it took Martin some time to adapt to college basketball. However, near the end of last season it all seemed to click. He was scoring from outside and inside. using his big body in the paint and physically dominating his opponents.

After dropping 15 pounds over the off-season, expect Martin to show off his added quickness, speed and endurance. At 6'10" and 230 pounds, Martin has the ability to do a lot of different things offensively and defensively.



Last season Martin averaged 26.2 minutes per game, 10.3 points per game, and 4.6 rebounds per game. He shot 33.3% from the three point line and 54.4% from inside the arc. Coach Jones has said Martin has tirelessly worked over the off-season on his shooting. This could easily be one of LSU's best shooting teams since the '08-'09 season.

What to expect from Jarell Martin:

This could be Martin's last season at LSU. The 6'10" 230lb sophomore is oozing with potential. After only playing a couple years of organized high school basketball, Martin has proven that he has the skills needed to play at the next level. From here, he just needs to refine his game, especially with his back to the basket, and continue to learn the game.

For LSU, I'd expect more pick and roll plays. Even with less weight, he has a very large frame that will be excellent for setting picks. He also proved he can drive to the rim or shoot a mid range shot. Also expect Martin to be an animal in transition. He can rise above the rim and throw it down or get the ball to an open player.

One of his biggest issues came from getting called for charging too often, and I'd expect some of those to continue, however, later in the year last season he began to control his body going into the lane much better and with the added agility noted before, he could see a significant improvement in this department.



Geaux Tigers!

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