How Sydney Kings big man Jarell Martin succeeded despite growing up in one of America’s most dangerous cities

Shootouts on a basketball court are meant to involve hoopers competing for baskets — not people with guns. But that was the terrifying reality for Kings big man Jarell Martin.

Jarell Martin shudders every time he hears the piercing sound of a gunshot.

Years have passed since hiding from gun violence was almost a daily occurrence for Martin growing up in the United States, but its impact on him mentally remains.

The Sydney Kings big man was raised in the Louisiana state city of Baton Rouge, on the banks of the Mississippi River, which has one of the highest crime rates in America.

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There is a one in fifteen chance of violence in Baton Rouge – a reality that meant no matter where Martin turned, there was potential for drama just around the corner.

It’s why a basic daily routine like walking home from school was rarely a peaceful blessing like it is here in Australia.

“Because it was a dangerous neighbourhood,” Martin reflected.

“You had to watch yourself walking home from school and just be cautious of everything and your surroundings.

“There were multiple times when you’d be on the school campus and the whole school would go into lockdown because there are shootouts in the arena – it was crazy.”

Jarell Martin has escaped from a tough upbringing to become one of the NBL's best ballers.

Baton Rouge was also a low socio-economic area, meaning it was battle for Martin’s mother Joyce to put food on the table for her family.

She worked long hours as a nanny at a sorority house at the LSU University just to provide for her children.

It’s a sacrifice that helped Martin go to college and chase his dream of becoming a professional basketball player.

He achieved this dream in 2015 when the Memphis Grizzles selected him with the 25th pick in the NBA draft.

Most rookies spend their first major pay cheque – worth millions – on a flash car – but Martin purchased his mother a house, a car and told her to retire.

“Mum appreciated that so much,” he said.

“It was a blessing for me to be able to put her in that position. I told her I didn’t want her to work anymore. I didn’t mum to be stressed out anymore.

“I wanted to relax her and let her enjoy life.”

Jarell Martin has been one of the Kings’ best players this season. Picture: Getty Images

Despite her son’s best efforts to force retirement, missus Martin is still working casual nannying shifts.

“That is mum’s heart – she just likes being there for people,” he said.

“She is a lovely, caring person.

“It was a challenge for mum doing it all on her own. She had to make a lot of sacrifices to make sure us kids had a good life.

“She juggled us kids with working in a sorority house at the LSU University.

“That says a lot about her character and how hard she worked and the love for her kids.

“We lived in a low-income area, so it was a challenge to make it out and be where I am now.

“To take my family from where I grew up is just a blessing from god.”

There are days when Martin finds it difficult living away from home as an NBL import.

He had his girlfriend Tyler briefly visit Sydney over the Christmas period before she returned to America.

It’s why Martin talks to his family, especially his mum, via zoom twice a day.

“Mum is like my spinal cord, man,” he said.

“The love we have for each other is tremendous.

“I talk to mum every day – usually every morning and night.

“I try and stay up late here to talk to her when she wakes up in the morning over there.

“It is tough and challenging, but in basketball you have to make some sacrifices.

“For me, one of those is being away from my family to chase my dream.

“It’s just the sacrifice you have to make and live with, just like mum did for us.”

Resilience has also been a buzz word for Martin’s Sydney Kings this season.

The Kings have been hit hard by injuries, including a season-ending knee injury to import guard RJ Hunter, prompting inconsistent performances.

This was on display last round when Sydney let a 19-point lead slip to lose against Brisbane before responding two days later with a big home win over the Bullets.

Jarell Martin helped the Kings take down the Brisbane Bullets in round 8. Picture: Getty Images.

Martin believes the Kings’ ability to bounce back and beat Brisbane speaks volumes about the team’s resolve.

“The character of this team is strong,” he said.

“We had to dig deep and get a win when we really needed one to build some momentum.

“This league is challenging and there are a lot of teams that can come out and give you a problem.

“We’ve got to bring it each night and be focused and locked in and play our game and for 40 minutes.”

The Kings face the ultimate challenge on Sunday when they host 10-time NBL champions, the Perth Wildcats.

The Wildcats won’t be easy to beat, but Martin is quietly confident of causing an upset, especially if his teammate Xavier Cooks can continue his standout form.

“I love Xavier,” Martin said about Cooks, who has recorded a double-double (10 plus points and rebounds) in four of his past five games.

“He just goes out there and does all the little things well and his motor man – he plays super hard.

“He is like those energiser bunny commercials – just keep on going.”

A trait Martin has mastered to achieve his hoops dreams from the violent streets of Baton Rouge.

QUICK FIRE QUESTIONS WITH JARELL MARTIN:

It’s obvious why Martin lists Kevin Durant as his toughest NBA opponent. Picture: Getty Images/AFP

TOUGHEST NBA OPPONENT: Kevin Durant. His height, his length, and his ability to score, he is easily the hardest guy I’ve had to try and guard. I tried my best, but he was just too good with his wingspan and shooting accuracy.

FAVOURITE NBA ARENA: I always liked playing in Los Angeles. It is a popular stadium with the Lakers’ history, and you never know who you might see at the game, like movie stars or artists.

Boxing legend Floyd Mayweather left a lasting imprint on Martin. Picture: Getty Images/AFP

YOUR MOST FAMOUS MEET AND GREET: I ran into boxing champion Floyd Mayweather one time and shook his hand. It was a pleasure meeting him. He is a great man, and he loves his sport and basketball.