Purdue's Martin transferring - Lands at Notre Dame

[Boiler]

Freshman Scott Martin has decided to transfer from Purdue.

"Scott told me that he intends to transfer," said head coach Matt Painter in a released statement. "We'll help him any way we can, and wish him and his family nothing but the best in the future."

Martin played in 32 games this year, starting in eight contests. He averaged 8.5 points per game.

"I truly valued my time here at Purdue," said Martin. "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."

Neither Painter nor any other member of the Purdue basketball team will have further comment on the situation.

Martin was noticeably absent from the first day of workouts in Mackey Arena earlier today

Go get him, Jim.

[tornado]

Martin was one of the super freshmen in Purdue's great recruiting class last year.
He ended up the 3rd leading scorer this past season, playing in almost every game, starting eight games, and playing 22 mpg.
Purdue is ranked inside the Top 10 in almost all the early preseason rankings for next year, so if he stayed he might earn a lot of court time on a very good team.
Speculation is that he saw his playing time might diminish due to discipline issues, and since everyone who got more time than he did is still sticking around, and there are a couple talented incoming frosh next fall, that his PT next year might even be less.
But a couple "inside sources" suggest he and Matt Painter differed in philosophy.
Anyone who saw a Purdue game couldn't help but notice Martin was a bit of a gunner and at times took some pretty unbelievable, hoggish shots, often within 10 seconds of coming off the bench.
His shooting percentages reflect fairly bad shot selection, 37% overall and only 31% from 3-pt.
But he had been unhappy that he wasn't getting as much playing time as his long time buddy and high school teammate Robbie Hummel, although his play may not have warranted more.
He actually left the team a couple times earlier in the season and was talked into coming back. Sounds to me like he was given a great opportunity but wanted even more and was unhappy it wasn't handed to him.
He is from Valparaiso, so naturally there are rumors he may transfer to Valpo...

[lake Camelot]

Shocked

Well I had to read that twice. It really surprises me. After such a surprisingly succesefull season last year I picture Purdue's players as very happy. They seem to be a program on the rise. I was shocked to see this. I think we tried to recruit him early on. If he wants to come here and gun I'd be fine with that.

[Boiler]

Heard a rumor

He may be heading to Mo St to play for Uncle Cuonzo.

[Da Coach]

Here is an article in the Springfield (Missouri) News-Leader where the writer speculates that Martin might transfer to Missouri State.
It also reports that 2 MSU freshman, Tomas Brock and David Cline, are leaving MSU.--

http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080409/BLOGS0701/80409058

However, I am not sure this isn't wishful thinking.
First, Cuonzo Martin apparently was not the Purdue assistant coach that recruited Scott Martin. So reportedly, Scott is not that close to Cuonzo.
And the rumors on the Purdue board, and elsewhere are that Martin left because he was homesick, and missed his girlfriend. There were also reports that he had conflicts with his teammates and coaches. Matt Painter wanted Martin to focus more on rebounding and less on being a scorer, which he didn't like.
He supposedly quit the team once or twice during the season, only to be talked into returning, and there were rumors all season he wasn't happy and planned to leave at the end of the year. Most reports suggest he will transfer to Valparaiso, but he has not said anything himself about why he left or where he might transfer.

[mportsch]

I've heard from a good source that Martin to Notre Dame is the latest rumor.

[tornado]

Martin, from Valparaiso, has had a long standing relationship with the Drews, and may end with Scott Drew at Baylor, according to a report on the premium boards.

[tornado]

Purdue's Scott Martin has now narrowed his choices to three, dropping DePaul from his list as well as Saint Louis & any Valley schools.

He is down to Butler, Valparaiso, and Notre Dame.

http://www.post-trib.com/sports/951383,martin.article

[tornado]

Scott Martin finally announces his decision, he is going to Notre Dame

http://www.southbendtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080528/SPORTS13/967178767/1021/Sports

[mportsch]

I really like the team Mike Brey has put together at Notre Dame. They should be very good this season - possibly top 10 in the nation.

Then, Martin and Hansbrough will help to cover the loss of seniors McAlarney, Ayers, Hillesland, and Zeller. They'll also have solid 2009 freshmen Jack Cooley and Joey Brooks joining the team for that season. As long as Harangody doesn't leave after his junior year, Notre Dame should be very good again during Martin and Hansbrough's first season.