Six-time NBL champion Damian Martin says young Australian sensation Josh Giddey reminds him 2020 NBA draft pick LaMelo Ball.
The 18-year-old Giddey is playing for the Adelaide 36ers under the NBL Next Stars program and shined in last Sunday’s win over the South East Melbourne Phoenix, recording 16 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists.
Martin, who won six Defensive Player of the Year awards playing the point guard position, has marvelled at how smooth Giddey’s game is at such a young age.
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“I think that point guard position is the hardest one to play, in particular as a rookie. I used to froth at the mouth when I was playing against opposing rookies in my position, to get after them,” Martin told The SEN NBL Show.
“He played with the same poise and patience as … he did remind me a lot of what we saw from LaMelo Ball. We tried getting after him and nothing seemed to faze him.
“He is just cool and calm. To see imports and veterans looking for Giddey (in crunch time) to come and grab the ball and control it, that’s a special talent right there.”
Giddey is currently ranked 39th in ESPN’s 2021 NBA draft rankings. Ball played for the Illawarra Hawks last NBL season and was selected with the third pick in the 2020 NBA draft by the Charlotte Hornets.
Giddey missed last night’s rematch against the Phoenix due to concussion but could return for Friday’s clash with the New Zealand Breakers.
Listen to last night’s edition of The SEN NBL Show with Peter Hooley and Sam Hargreaves below