Player Spotlight: Michael Martinez

Michael Martinez has been one of the most identifiable faces of Hoops The Right Way for years. Upon his graduation from Broad Run High School this past June, he made the decision to attend Georgetown University. Michael plans on studying business but is undecided on whether he wants to study business administration or international business. He is passionate about reading, watching TV and spending time with friends and family.

HTRW: Michael, what are your academic accomplishments to date, and your favorite aspects of school?

Michael: My favorite aspect of school is the ability to learn new things everyday and challenging myself to think for myself. I graduated with a class ranking of 24/441 (top 6%) and was on the AB honor roll every quarter. I earned over $200k in merit scholarship money from different colleges that recruited me for baseball. I turned down almost all of them except for a $2,500 scholarship from the Broad Run Athletic Booster Club. I also earned the College Board AP Scholar Award and the National Scholar/Athlete Award presented by the United States Army Reserve.

HTRW: This is absolutely astounding. You not only pushed yourself on the basketball court but went above and beyond in the classroom. People like you are few and far between so keep up the great work because doors of opportunity will start swinging open for you. 

HTRW:  What are your basketball accomplishments to date, and your favorite aspects of basketball?

Michael: I was a two-year varsity letter winner and part of the 2014 Broad Run High School Basketball District Tournament Championship Team. As for on the court, I love to shoot. However, I would have to say my favorite aspect is that basketball resembles life in a few ways and it has taught me many lessons that I plan to take with me to college.

HTRW: The article written by the Loudoun Times describes your shooting ability perfectly. “Michael Martinez has deadly accuracy from beyond the arc.” I couldn’t agree more. http://www.loudountimes.com/index.php/sports/article/spartan_hoops_making_their_mark952 

HTRW: What drives you on a personal and athletic level?

Michael: For a long time the negativity of others and proving other people wrong has driven me in almost every aspect of life and sports, including basketball. I always wanted to prove to myself and others that I was capable of getting the job done and doing it well. I have an inner passion and drive to be the best so I could never imagine giving up or quitting.

HTRW: Your drive to succeed was very apparent during games and every time you came to training. You were by far one of our most competitive athletes. It's safe to say that you rank in the top 6% in the classroom and on the court for competitiveness.    

HTRW: What are your basketball goals and non-basketball related goals?

Michael: My basketball goals now are just to have fun being the best player I can be. I am more focused on my college education now and maximizing those opportunities. I think that going to Georgetown University will be a great learning experience for me and I want to make sure I go to class focused on the task at hand each and everyday.

HTRW: That is a great outlook to have. College takes a different level of focus and drive which you clearly have!

HTRW: What is an interesting fact about yourself that most people would not know?

Michael: I was recruited by multiple D3 schools (between 7-10) to play baseball. I also had an article written about me in Gameday Magazine:
http://mvp.gamedaymagazine.com/rumor_mill/2014/04/martinez-no-hitter-spartans-win-two-in-tourney.php

HTRW: An outstanding two sport athlete with college recruitment offers to show for it and an unbelievable student... That is extremely commendable. 

HTRW: What is your funniest Coach K moment?

Michael: My funniest Coach K moments are mimicking the things he says in good nature. He has a few things he says a lot like "instant pudding" or "square up shoot ya shot" (in Coach K's accent), etc. Also his laugh where he wiggles his knees and nearly pushes someone over while laughing.

HTRW: I only had to listen to half of your response to know exactly what you are talking about! Coach K is by far one of the greatest coaches to learn from and play for. Make sure you bring his fun loving and hardworking nature to any court you play on and any classroom you step into. Best of luck to you this year in college and make sure you keep us updated on everything!