Bad news struck the Tigers men’s team this week, with the 2018 basketball season only a few months away. Senior point guard and Memphis native Jeremiah Martin, who lead the team last year with 18.9 points per game, will be sidelined for the next four to six weeks after undergoing surgery for a hernia.
With pre-season practices slated to begin in late September, the injury comes at a crucial point in the team’s preparation. Though, if Martin does not have any setbacks, he could be ready for the first exhibition game against LeMoyne-Owen at FedEx Forum on Oct. 25.
Despite the program’s struggles in recent seasons, Martin has been one of the bright spots for a team that has seen numerous players transfer out of the city to play elsewhere. Before breaking his foot, which caused him to miss the last seven games of his junior season, Martin was leading the team in total points scored, assists, three-pointers made and steals.
Coming into this season, Martin was one of five seniors expected to provide veteran leadership on a roster that is comprised of a lot of new faces who are arriving as part of Penny Hardaway’s inaugural recruiting class. During a press conference over the summer, Hardaway did not shy away from the impact Martin’s presence had on this year’s team.
“We use everything for motivation,” Hardaway said. “You know, Jeremiah, who has been here for three years, going into his fourth year, has never made the NCAA tournament. That alone is enough.”
Mike Parks Jr., senior forward, said losing Martin is unfortunate. Nevertheless, Martin’s role on the team as the voice that empowers everyone will not change.
“He is one of our main leaders,” Parks said. “He sets the tempo for us. He encourages us to go hard every time.”
Parks said Martin brings leadership to the team, and everyone is benefiting from it, especially the freshmen.
“The guards are learning from his (leadership),” Parks said. “They’re understanding that it’s a different level, and it’s harder work. But you have to trust the process.”
With Martin being sidelined over the next several weeks, guards like Jayden Hardaway and Tyler Harris will have to step up in practices. Martin could return by late October, but there’s no guarantee. Parks said Martin’s role on the team goes beyond the points he puts up on the court because his energy and voice in the locker room are dominant.
“He has a strong presence on the court,” Parks said. “You know if he is on the court because he is going to lead. He ain’t going to tell you nothing wrong. He is going to have you bring your full potential out.”
Martin may not be able to contribute on the court during practice, but he can continue to lead his team vocally. Thus far, this is the first adversity Hardaway and company have to deal with, and the season has yet to begin.
