ASU Basketball: Breaking down Arizona win, Pac-12 Tournament chances
By Trevor Booth
Remy Martin is Becoming the Unequivocal Leader
When asked about his All-Pac-12 ballot, Arizona head coach Sean Miller was very open about a Sun Devil nominee.
“Remy Martin was the difference in both games,” Miller said to WildcatAuthority.com. “He has my vote. He can get his own shot and he can get other people their own shot. That point guard position is important and he is very good.”
In two games against the Wildcats this season, Martin averaged 29 points, 7.5 assists and 4.5 rebounds. And when the contests were in doubt, he answered the bell.
After a 10-1 UA run, ASU trailed 54-53 in yesterday’s game with 7:35 to play. From there, the Sun Devils’ frenetic point guard took over.
He scored 12 of his team’s final 19 points, using his quickness and signature fadeaway jumpers to seal the deal. Even when the Wildcats made their runs, Martin kept a similar mentality.
“I took it upon myself and said, ‘Hey, I am not going to let us lose. I am here for you guys no matter what,” he explained.
And he was. One of Martin’s best moments came when he was double-teamed, had the ball poked to halfcourt and came back to bury a pull-up shot. The play alone epitomized his energy and spirit.
Yet, while Martin has performed against his rival, his impact hasn’t been limited to such. In fact, during ASU’s 18 Pac-12 games, the sophomore guard led the conference in assists per game (6.2) and assist-to-turnover ratio (3.2).
Originally limited by injury, Martin has become the Sun Devils’ unrivaled leader. Zylan Cheatham is right there, but when Martin is getting others involved, hitting big shots and relaying his energy, ASU is a difficult team to beat.