Hurley Nabs Martin — Again
The Story: Dan Hurley went back to his old stomping grounds for a player, nabbing transfer and former recruit Tyrese Martin from Rhode Island. A 6-foot-6 guard, Martin, barring a change to the NCAA rules this summer, will have to sit out the 2020-21 season as a redshirt.
WHO IS MARTIN? Martin committed to Hurley at URI and stuck with his commitment when Hurley left for UConn. He averaged 12.8 points and seven rebounds in 34 minutes per game for the Rams. An athletic slasher, Martin shot 43.3 percent, 32.1 percent from 3-point range and 66.2 percent from the foul line.
A WORKING MAN: Martin didn’t go on a transfer tour when he decided to leave Rhode Island. He went home during the COVID-19 pandemic and is working in Allentown, Pa., while he finishes schoolwork. Martin took a job at a warehouse to try to help his family pay the bills after his mother was laid off. We love that little tidbit about Martin. It shows character, work ethic and initiative for a college student beyond his years.
WHAT DID MARTIN SAY? “The history behind UConn, the relationship I have with Coach Hurley, [were huge]. … The Big East is always a conference I dreamed of playing in as a kid.”
LAST SCHOLLIE? The Huskies have one more scholarship for next season and we are expecting it to be used on an inside player. The Huskies could always go into the transfer market for someone who will be immediately eligible or get a player who reclassifies as a graduating senior this summer.
