Qadir Martin’s basketball resume speaks for itself.
The 18-year-old Martin has experienced nothing but success on the hardwood throughout his life and there’s no better example than becoming only the fifth two-time Jaques Award winner as Staten Island’s most outstanding high school hoopster.
The St. Peter’s big man, however, is about to embark on something different after signing a National Letter of Intent over the weekend to attend Mercyhurst University on a full athletic scholarship, the Advance/SILive.com has learned.
When Martin begins matriculating at the Erie, Pa., school next fall, the Lakers’ basketball program will be transitioning from a Division 2 to a Division 1 program that will be competing in the Northeast Conference. Mercyhurst’s men’s basketball program only reached out to the 6-foot-6 Martin for the first time in early April and after going for a visit approximately two weeks later, he determined that it is the right fit for him.
“I like the idea of starting something new and I want to be a part of it,’' said Martin. “(Head coach Gary Manchel) showed me as much interest as anyone else that was looking at me and he’s experienced a lot of success during his time there — about 20 years — and I’m looking forward to helping them continue that success.’'
Manchel, in fact, has compiled a 373-219 record that included a 50-13 mark between the 2022-23 seasons before recording a 15-16 record this past season.
Martin, meanwhile, is pleased to be continuing his basketball career on the D1 level. In fact, he’s the fifth member of his family to play collegiately as he’s following in the footsteps of older brothers Phil (D1, California Riverside), Kareem (NAIA, Grandview U.), Hassan (D1, Rhode Island) and Malik (D1, Rhode Island).
“Yes, it’s really important to me — it’s a blessing,’' he said. “A lot of my family has played at the Division 1 level and to be able to play at that level is a really big accomplishment and I’m really looking forward to it.’'
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Martin was a defensive force the last two seasons, including the 2023-24 campaign as he helped the Eagles win their sixth straight SIHSL Tournament crown and finish the season with a solid 19-8 record. He averaged 9.7 rebounds and 3.4 blocked shots per game while altering many others.
The four-year varsity player was also a force to be reckoned with offensively as evidenced by his 18.7 points-per-game average that included 12 contests in which he scored 20-or-more points. He once again dominated the paint area, but also connected for 15 three-pointers en route to an overall total of 506 points in 27 games.
Martin said Manchel wants him to play power forward with the Lakers.
“He didn’t see me in person, but he saw me on film and heard a lot of good things from (SP head coach Ryan Woods) and a coach from Oswego State, who was at a lot of my games recruiting (St. Peter’s teammate Jorel Monroe),’' explained Martin. “(Manchel) told me I’m going to get the opportunity to start or at least play a lot as a freshman, which doesn’t happen a often these days because of the (transfer) portal.
“(Getting time right away) definitely had me interested. Coach thinks I can develop into a good player and I’m very much looking forward to playing at Mercyhurst.’'
Martin said he’s currently undecided on a major. The St. George resident also received interest froim Fairfield and Iona.