Former VHS star Scott Martin leaving Purdue

Font Size:

BY JOHN O'MALLEY
jomalley@nwitimes.com
219.548.4355 | Thursday, April 10, 2008 | 27 comment(s)

One year at Purdue was enough for Scott Martin.

The former Valparaiso High School star has decided to leave the Boilermakers' basketball program.

"Scott told me that he intends to transfer,'' Purdue coach Matt Painter said via a press release issued Wednesday night. "We'll help him any way we can, and wish him and his family nothing but the best in the future.''

Martin experienced a considerable amount of homesickness, especially during the first few months of the school year. But Painter said he sat down with Martin and talked to him about the situation. Painter later noted Martin had basically fought through the homesickness.

Messages left on Martin's cell phone and at the home of his parents in Valparaiso seeking comment were not returned.

"I truly valued my time here at Purdue,'' Martin said in the release. "I made many great friendships and met a lot of great people. I am thankful to the coaching staff and my teammates for the opportunity they have given me. I feel it is in my best interest to take a different route for my basketball career.''

Late in the season, rumors began to swirl that, for several reasons, Martin might have been thinking about transferring to Valparaiso University.

Valpo head coach Homer Drew and his staff recruited Martin heavily out of high school, so it's no secret the Crusaders' coaching staff would surely welcome a possible transfer, here, with open arms.

When contacted by The Times, Drew was asked if he knew Martin was transferring.

"We just heard it a little while ago,'' he said.

Drew was asked if he planned on contacting Martin.

"It's a nice question, and as you know, I can't answer that,'' he said.

NCAA rules prohibit coaches from commenting on athletes transferring to a respective school until the player's school has completed all the paperwork and the athlete has been released from scholarship.

Bob Punter, Martin's high school coach, said he was a little bit surprised to hear Martin was transferring from Purdue, but not totally taken off guard.

"I have not talked to Scott at all,'' Punter said. "I'm not sure what's going through Scott's mind. I know he struggled with some injuries and I think he might have been a little bit surprised by the time commitment required in college as opposed to high school.''

Punter said he had heard through the grapevine over the Christmas break that Martin was sore and tired and not particularly happy with his play.

"There's a lot more film to watch, and with all the weight lifting and the travel involved, I think maybe he got a little burned out throughout the winter with all the stress,'' Punter said. "Maybe he misses his girlfriend.''

Martin was the Boilers' fourth-leading scorer and averaged 21.9 minutes per game.

-- Times staff writer David Robb contributed to this report

Scott Martin by the numbers
Ht.: 6-8. Wt.: 200. Pos.: G/F.
Valparaiso High School
2005-06: 20.7 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 58 pct. FG, 46 pct. 3-pt. FG, 80 pct. FT
2006-07: 22.2 ppg, 9.1 rpg, 1 spg
Purdue University
2007-08: 8.5 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 1.4 apg, 37 pct. FG, 31 pct. 3-pt. FG, 70 pct. FT, 32 games (8 starts), 21.9 mpg.

And then there were two ...
With Scott Martin's transfer, the Region trio from the Class of 2011 will become the Region duo on the Purdue men's basketball roster. Here's look at the numbers the other guys posted as freshmen this past season.

E'Twaun Moore (E.C. Central)
12.9 ppg (led team), 3.9 rpg, 2.8 apg, 1.0 spg, 44 pct. FG, 43 pct. 3-pt. FG, 72 pct. FT, 34 games (team-high 31 starts), 30.6 mpg (led team).
Robbie Hummel (Valparaiso)
11.4 ppg, 6.1 rpg (led team), 2.6 apg, 1.3 spg, 48 pct. FG, 45 pct. 3-pt. FG, 87 pct. FT, 33 games (team-high 31 starts), 28.5 mpg.

Back to story 27 comment(s)

Please note: The following are comments from readers. In no way do they represent the views of The Times or Lee Enterprises. We will not edit or alter your comments, but we do reserve the right to not post or to remove comments that violate our code of conduct. No comment may contain potentially libelous statements; obscene, explicit or racist language; personal attacks, insults or threats. Terms of Service

Former Purdue fan wrote on May 3, 2008 1:51 PM:

" If all of you guys look back at the film you will see how many times martin was open and two of their stars did not get him the ball,they would look at him and throw the ball the other way. Most coaches would have seen this and said something but not Painter. I can honestly say i dont blame him for leaving Purdue "

forget it wrote on May 3, 2008 10:39 AM:

" All of those rumors are false...he may be homesick but its not that he missed his girlfriend...I dont think Painter treated him right and he didnt get enough playing time...Good luck Scott! "

windy city boiler wrote on May 2, 2008 10:44 PM:

" i don't know much about the new recruits. will we really be ok without martin ? "

JJ wrote on May 1, 2008 5:15 PM:

" Homesick?!? Valpo is only a 90 minute drive from Lafayette, he could practically commute daily to school! If he was legitimately homesick under these circumstances, he's going to have a lot more issues deal with going forward than just regretting his decision to leave Purdue! "

beav wrote on Apr 14, 2008 9:43 AM:

" ARRRGGGHHH!!!
What could he possibly be thinking? What did he think Big 10 ball was about? It was no different than if he signed up for the Marines. He made a commitment. Now STICK TO IT!
Whatever happened to a team that was made up of role-players? He was a freshman on a young squad that can only improve with experience. This is wildy disappointing. "

Boiler19 wrote on Apr 12, 2008 4:14 AM:

" MikeD-

FYI, the freshman first semester course work includes MA 161,...a 5 hour Calculus course that is an hour long lecture in EE 129...about 300-500 students...most of engineering majors, and half of whom are out of state students, so they were in the top 10 percent of their HS class, and most of whom had already had 1-3 years of Calculus in HS. The other two days were in 20-30 student recitation rooms with a Math TA...most of the time a foreign grad student that had questionable English language skills, at BEST.

I know. I started out as an IM major and struggled in that class BIG TIME! BARELY eeked out a C, and had to get an A- on the final to do THAT! Talk about a comeback! I'd scored 31 (out of 33) on the math portion of the ACT in HS, putting me in the top 5 percent nationwide.

To say Martin's class load was the same as other freshman is flat out wrong. "

Mike D wrote on Apr 10, 2008 9:04 PM:

" To Boiler Fan, I commend Mr. Martin on selecting IM as a major, but let's not get carried away with a 3.5 GPA as a freshman. He was not taking any core IM classes, but only prerequisites that ALL freshman regardless of their major take. That being said, I wish the kid best of luck. He's a young man who's character should not be judged on this decision alone. Go Boilers! OBAMA 08! "

Serious wrote on Apr 10, 2008 5:56 PM:

" I apoligize didnt know he was not the coach anymore. "

Wake up, Serious wrote on Apr 10, 2008 1:19 PM:

" Uh, in case you didn't notice, Punter retired from Valpo after the 2006-07 season. The new Valpo coach is Chris Benedict, who favors a slow-down game. So you're close to being right about the 35 ppg, but you can't blame Punter. The only reason he was quoted in the story was because Martin and his parents weren't talking on Wednesday. He will soon. "

John Q. wrote on Apr 10, 2008 1:07 PM:

" Scott, it was nice having you on the team. You were definitely a great addition. If you feel the transfer is best for your future, many of us fans will support that. Enjoy your career whereever that may be.

Go Boilers! "

Girlfriend!!! wrote on Apr 10, 2008 12:57 PM:

" On the media releases of this story I have read regarding Martin mention his girlfriend as a possible reason for his exit of Purdue. FALSE!! I know her family and if that is the problem then he will have a bigger problem come next year, when she is studying abroad in Europe. Looks like the press officals need to get their story correct. I also, believe that Hummel and Moore will do fine without Martin, however, they are not going to be as successful next year without him. "

Serious wrote on Apr 10, 2008 12:29 PM:

" C'mon now if Martin wants to leave its up to him. Dont put down the kid. I hope the best for him. Now Punter whats wrong with you? It seems like your bashing the kid. Do you know facts about the situation if you dont you shouldnt make asumptions. You make him sound weak. Not his fault your teams not that good anymore since your star duo left. What do you guys avg a game now 35 points a game as a team. "

biggie123 wrote on Apr 10, 2008 11:59 AM:

" Scott, do what ya gotta do. It's your life, you make the decisions. And to the former coach spouting off about the girlfriend, you were funny in math, but you just made Scott look weak. Way to go Coach! "

Can't Hack Big 10 wrote on Apr 10, 2008 11:23 AM:

" His game has always been better suited for Purdue Cal. Obviously had trouble w/ Robbie's success. "

fan of neither school wrote on Apr 10, 2008 10:56 AM:

" I think that this kid was going to get the ball less, and figured he would just transfer. He would stand out at Valpo, but that school hasn't been a powerhouse (in a weak conference, mind you) for a couple years now. If he would stick it out at Purdue w/ Moore and Hummel, it would be a lot better. Looks like he's taking the easy way out; not like Lafayette is a huge distance from Valparaiso, during the offseason he could be home every weekend. Good luck to him, hope it works out in the end. "

Itchy wrote on Apr 10, 2008 10:49 AM:

" Loser, quitter, fool. Why leave such a great situation with a great coach and great teammates? For a girlfriend? Nice, I hope she's really wonderful, so special that you'd throw away a chance for a final four! "

Boiler Fan wrote on Apr 10, 2008 10:48 AM:

" Scott Martin is one of a very few D1 athletes whose athletic profile lists an academic major with "some significance," that being Industrial Management. Most D1 athletes carry a major that is little more than a joke. The "athlete's" major of choice at Purdue is OLS (Organizational Leadership and Supervision). Scott maintained better than a 3.5 GPA in his first semester at Purdue, while honoring his commitment to play with the Boilers. I give him alot of credit for doing so. Maybe he feels that he doesn't have a chance to continue playing after his college career and now wants to concentrate more on his academic goals. That's extremely hard to do while participating in a major D1 sport, as the sport becomes the athlete's priority. Nonetheless, thanks Scott for your contributions to a very exciting year in Boiler basketball and all the best in your future endeavors. "

Tom wrote on Apr 10, 2008 10:27 AM:

" to those Purdue fans and other critics here:

do you realize it takes far more guts to unplug from this sort of situation, to which you're (very) publicly committed, particularly when leaving means you have to sit out a year, than to suffer in silence?

Scott, you only get one shot at college. make sure it's the right place, even if it means braving the haters who only got out of their la-z-boys to cheer you from the bleachers and acted like they know what's best for you better than you.

everyone else = ridiculous. "

Aaron wrote on Apr 10, 2008 10:27 AM:

" How is this a great move at Purdue he was only improving after coming back from his injury and saw more and more playing time nearing the end of the season. I garuntee by next season he would have at least been our sixth man so to say this is a great move when Purdue's team shows nothing but promise and Big Ten titles as well as possible national title runs this to me is a TERRIBLE move. "

Only He Decides wrote on Apr 10, 2008 10:27 AM:

" If Martin wants to get more playing time or doesn't think he fits well with the Purdue system, so be it! It's his choice. He can probably play anywhere he wants and what player in that position will settle for pine time? He loves the game and wants to be on the floor. More power to him for his decision!
That said, I think he would be more likely to start and play more minutes at Valpo than at Notre Dame. He's good, but he's not as good as Hummel.
Given the parity in college basketball, he can play for a good mid-major team like Valpo and have just as much of a chance to progress in the NCAA tournament than if he signs with a larger school. Just think if Jon Dielber would have come to Valpo and now would be playing alongside Martin. Stuff happens. "

LDUBB wrote on Apr 10, 2008 10:23 AM:

" So we just lost a benchwarmer...big deal! "

Kevin wrote on Apr 10, 2008 10:10 AM:

" I think this is a great move Martin has made for his basketball career. This move took a lot of guts for someone of his age. Not many kids would have the courage to make that same decision and he should be commended for his decision. Coach Painter's program was not the right fit for him. I have heard that Martin is thinking about signing with Notre Dame. That program would be a better fit for Mr. Martin and his skill set. Any program that Mr. Martin selects would be greatly inmproved with his addtion. "

VU GUY wrote on Apr 10, 2008 9:56 AM:

" I sure hope he decides to be a Crusader!! It would be a great fit for VU and the Martin kid!! "

A Parent wrote on Apr 10, 2008 9:54 AM:

" His coach said "Maybe he misses his girlfriend" and everyone else is speculating why he's leaving - he never said those words, so don't assume that's the reason. It is his decision, and his alone - don't judge if it's a mistake. And to say somebody will regret something is beyond judgmental - as a parent, I believe that children need to stick to commitments, but we also need to let them make adult decisions, when they are indeed adults. Leave the guy alone to move on with his life and wish him the best! "

Jealous wrote on Apr 10, 2008 9:46 AM:

" Don't think he was getting the ball enough to make him happy. Shoot first, pass later. No loss for Purdue. They will be fine. "

Roy Grant wrote on Apr 10, 2008 9:35 AM:

" I completely agree with beentheredonethat, he will regret this decision. But guess what, does he think coach painter is going to beg him to come back? Martin saw with the returning players and the super 2 recruits coming in next year, he would probably get even less playing time. For a player to duck out of competing for playing time is absurd and shows how little heart he has. So goodbye, Scott, and don't let the door hit you on the way out. Enjoy playing at Valpo in a powerhouse conference where you can be a big fish (although I doubt it). Enjoy watching the Boilers and their success next season! Adios!!!!! "

beentheredonethat wrote on Apr 10, 2008 8:22 AM:

" Girlfriend, homesick. He doesn't realize he is making a mistake that he will regret the rest of his life. At 19, girlfriends come and go. He'll eventually move out of his parents' home. But the memories and experiences that he could make at Purdue over the next 3 years will never be available to him again. "

Back to story 27 comment(s)

Post a comment Once your comments are approved, they will appear here.

Marketplace

Sections

Services

Other Publications

Search