Sharks sign local hero Mathew Martin

The DBL Sharks continue their roster build by adding local hero Mathew Martin formerly of Danum Eagles.

Martin, the son of legendary coach Bob Martin, has joined the Sharks following a career supporting Doncaster basketball and taking the Danum Eagles through the ranks culminating in an EBL D1 season.

The 6”5 forward , born in the USA, attended Ayersville High School in OHIO before progressing to the NAIA at Goshen College in Indiana. With a college career average of 12 points and 4.6 rebound per game in the United States, Martin moved back to England and finished his education at Northumbria University.

“I believe that Matthew should have been in the BBL a long time ago, he is a very steady player who can provide a scoring threat and he is a strong rebounder and I think will help us tremendously,” said Lyons. “He has a lot of experience and has been raised by experience in basketball, so I expect him to be disciplined and hardworking, which will fit with the rest of the squad.”

Martin, who has returned to live in Doncaster and continues to provide coaching services alongside his father, is pleased to be joining the Sheffield team alongside old team mate and friend Rob Marsden.

“I am excited to join Sheffield, the circumstances just weren’t right until now, but the opportunity has risen, and it seems a good fit for me,” said Martin. “It will be good to play alongside Rob (Marsden) again and I know I can contribute to the Sharks success this season. I am looking forward to it.”

Not without BBL pedigree, father Bob Martin played in a prestigious era of the BBL and at some great teams including Belgrade and Manchester Utd. Finally settling in Doncaster, the Martin name has become synonymous with quality basketball.

“We know Mathew is a great guy we look forward to welcoming him to the Sheffield Camp, it is great to have another local guy in the team, that is an ideal outcome for basketball in this region,” remarked Lyons.

A first look at the Sharks this season will be available to fans when they face the Newcastle Eagles in a preseason friendly on Friday 7^th September, limited tickets are available by contacting Amanda Hutt at the Sharks on 01142573180.