Happy Birthday, Peter Martin ( Nov 8 )

Happy Birthday, Peter Martin

1996 PBA Rookie Draft 6th overall pick
San Sebastian Stags forward
10x PBA champion
2x MBA champion
2-season PBA veteran
4-season MBA player
San Miguel Beermen assistant coach
University of Santo Tomas assistant coach
2-PBA team player
2-MBA team player

Source : Assorted Magazines (PBA Archives Collections)

PETER MARTIN
Peter Martin isn't ashamed to admit that at one time, he went astray and got hooked into drugs. That derailed what looked like a very promising basketball career at the time. Martin played for the UAAP champion Ateneo Blue Eaglets in the company of Roderick Racela and Daniel Francisco. He could have moved up to the senior ranks were it not for his drug problems. Of course, he wants to forget this sad chapter in his life and now says, "Walang mangyayari sa iyo diyan sa drugs. Nagbagong buhay na ako because I realize I've got a wonderful future ahead." Last year, Martin went back to basketball and joined the San Sebastian Stags. He was a solid contender for Rookie of the Year honors as prior to his stint in the NCAA, he played for teams in the PICAA and the BIBLE. Peter was born on November 8, 1968 and is the seventh of eight children (Ricky, Chicoy, Cecille, Luis, Freddie, Rose, Peter and Cora) of lawyer Antonio Martin and the former Norma Valenciano. Elder brothers Ricky and Luis also played for Ateneo but did not really concentrate that much on basketball after their high school days. The 6-3 Peter definitely has good moves inside the shaded area and could turn out into another Alvin Patrimonio in the future. He is playing his last year with SSC only because he is over the age eligibility. He will be making his debut in the Philippine Basketball League (PBL) this October as he was taken in by coach Arturo Valenzona in the JCT Group fold. "Of course I'm interested in playing in the PBA. But I'm not thinking about that yet. Dito muna ako sa PBL. Bahala na si coach Valenzona sa career ko," he said. Martin's strong point on the game is his brilliant court presence. He knows what to do with the basketball. He says he must develop his outside shooting and drives to the basket. He idolizes San Antonio Spurs center David Robinson and San Miguel Beer's Ramon Fernandez.