Melik Martin (198-SF-1999, college: Drexel) is a 198cm forward from York who had a 5 year NCAA career playing 142 NCAA games. He played 4 years at Monmouth and in his last season averaged 12.5ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.7apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 52.2%, 3PT: 39.7%, FT: 71.9%. He then finished his NCAA career with Drexel University (NCAA) averaging 10.7ppg, 5.3rpg, 1.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 54.9%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 73.2%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.
Thanks Melik for talking to germanhoops.com. You’re a 198cm forward. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?
I am a wing. I play hard on both ends of the court, can drive to the rim, shoot from range, and ability to make decisions with the basketball. I’d compare myself to Jaylen Brown, he is a competitor.
You have a reliable three pointer and are a great defender. Please explain why you’re a lot more than just a 3 and D player?
More than a 3 and D player because I can bring the ball up the court under pressure. Also, I enjoy pushing the pace of the game for momentum by running the floor, rebounding and pushing, and getting dunks.
Your also a very athletic player. Is this something you were born with or is it something you gained with hard work?
For sure hard work. I’ve been in the weight room consistently since middle school, before committing to basketball. I’ve always had energy, just needed it to be targeted and God has worked things out.
On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to improve your game?
I am a versatile, but I need to get better. Games can get lengthy, guards are getting faster, craftier, and smarter, while bigs are getting bigger, stronger, and smarter. I am working to be more disciplined by being a student, pros play a different game within. Right now it’s getting to my spots and shooting from different angles. Been working on footwork, now working to pull together with confident finishes
You played at Monmouth from 2017-2021. You never averaged more than 5,1ppg in your first 3 seasons but in your fourth year you averaged 7 minutes more and made a huge jump as a scorer averaging 12,5ppg. What happened with your game in your last year there?
At Monmouth my confidence grew. Coach Rice always believed in me, I just had to believe.
In your freshman season you lost by 17 points against powerhouse Kentucky (NCAA) and played against future NBA players Washington, Knox, Dialo and Gilgeous-Alexander. What memories do you have of this experience and what Kentucky player stood out the most?
What I remember from that game is one of my teammates shooting a free throw and Kentucky players were arguing about who was getting the rebound. I realized then it was all about money
You had many memorable games at Monmouth but where does the 77-74 win over Rider rank where you poured in 24 points?
Definitely many memorable games. That game was a lot of fun. Glad we came out with the win. I want to continue to build upon moments like that.
You then played a fifth year at Drexel University (NCAA) averaging 10.7ppg, 5.3rpg, 1.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 54.9%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 73.2%. How important was it for you taking that extra year for your game? How did your game grow?
The extra year has helped me grow on and off the court. My ball handling, shooting, and defense has improved.
You had many memorable games at Drexel against schools like FDU and Delaware. What was your fondest moment at Drexel?
Definitely fun getting the dub while getting off in the games. My fondest moment at Drexel would have to be rowing with the team. That was a first for me and a nice icebreaker for team bonding.
How did head coach Zach Spiker give you that extra touch in helping you groom and prepare you for a professional career?
Coach Spiker helped groom me by giving me an opportunity to join his program for the year. Knowing you’re in an out can be difficult when trying to add to the culture but on a different schedule than everyone else. I wanted the experience so that I knew how to enter a program and be effective immediately.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or James Butler?
JB and I never matched up like that. I think it would be a very tough game for sure. He’s smart, strong, and patient.
Who was the toughest player that you battled in the NCAA that reached the NBA?
During the games against Kentucky, Dialo definitely ran us up and down the court. SGA was slicing up our defense. Also have to mention Herro, he is a shooter who can run the floor.
Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore of past or present heads?
My personal NBA Mount Rushmore would include Chris Paul, LeBron James, Michael Jordan, and Wilt Chamberlain.
What is your personal opinion of the neverending debate of who is the greatest of all-time Jordan or Lebron?
My opinion is that I have to lean towards LeBron because I grew up in his era. Jordan played during a different time where the game was rougher. I think LeBron has to play more of a mental game. That to say both of their highlights and careers are elite.
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Should they have left it alone?
I did see the sequel, not going to say should’ve left it alone. Original was hilarious, and the follow up definitely had its moments.
Thanks Melik for the Chat
German Hoops 