The last time I made the trip to The Phelps School (PA) to interview and evaluate a prospect, it was current Washington Wizard and former first-round NBA Draft pick Will Riley.
Nearly three years later, another talented wing has emerged from the program.
Standing at 6-foot-7, rising junior Brandon Martin Jr. is quickly becoming one of the more intriguing long-term prospects in the class. He currently holds 10 Division I offers, with Penn State owning his lone Power Four offer to date.
Martin Jr. checks plenty of boxes from a projection standpoint. He has ideal positional size and length on the wing, defends with energy and versatility, and has shown the ability to score from all three levels. Perhaps most encouraging, however, is the continued growth in his basketball IQ and overall feel for the game—two areas that have college coaches increasingly excited about his upside.
That interest has only intensified in recent weeks.
Following last month's NCAA contact period, Martin Jr. told Stockrisers.com he heard from nearly 20 programs spanning multiple conferences, a sign that his recruitment is beginning to gain significant momentum as more schools evaluate the rising junior.
With his combination of physical tools, two-way impact, and long-term potential, Martin Jr. is a prospect I expect to continue climbing recruiting boards throughout the summer.
Stockrisers.com caught up with the talented wing to discuss his recruitment, the recent surge in college interest, and what's next in his development.
Which schools are heavily involved?
“Virginia Tech, VCU, Iowa State, Illinois, Duquesne, Kansas State, Miss. State, Hofstra, Marquette.”
Any new ones?
“VCU, Miss. State, Marquette, Dayton, Kansas State are all new. Villanova now too.”
Any visits planned?
“Not yet, will be in the works soon.”
Thoughts on VCU?
“I love them. I think they run everything like a high-major school. Coaching staff seems extremely cool. I’m excited to see them compete in-person soon. Love the A-10 Conference.”
Marquette?
“Love the head coaches history. Know they have a track record of developing guys and winning. They have a guy right now that’s a Pittsburgh native [Royce Parham]. Look forward to continuing the process with them.”
Iowa State?
“Iowa State is probably the most active school recruiting me right now. I love the way they play and everything is about winning with them. I’m super excited about learning more about them as a school. I’ve been following them for a while now, when they started recruiting me it meant a lot.”
Virginia Tech?
“VT, Coach Frazier is the associate head coach. He been recruiting me for a while now. Not too familiar with VT as a school, but familiar with the coaching staff. Also think the ACC conference is elite.”
How would you best describe your game?
“I’d say kind of a jumbo wing. Can bring a little bit of everything to the table. Can defend at a high level, able to consistently put downhill pressure on the rim and stretch the floor with my three ball. I have a decent handle right now, needs more work. I also have a great mix of positional size and athleticsm.
I’m about 6’7 right now and have a +5 wingspan and was last measured at a 36” vertical around a year ago.”
Contact Period.
Who did he hear from?
Michigan State, Marquette, Virginia Tech, Illinois, Kansas State, Stanford, VCU, Miss. State, Iowa State, Dayton, Duquesne, Toledo, Marshall, UTRGV, Wagner, Illinois State, Hofstra, Charleston, Dartmouth.
