Staten Island native’s NBA dream still alive

When the NBA draft ended, disappointment set in. Hassan Martin’s dream, like that of so many other prospects, went unfulfilled. But then he came across an uplifting story. It was a first-person piece by Anthony Morrow, a nineyear NBA veteran, in The Players’ Tribune about going undrafted.

“It made me realize it’s not over,” Martin, a Staten Island native and former Rhode Island star, said in a phone interview.

Sure enough, Martin soon got his chance, when he was offered a spot with the Magic’s NBA Summer League team in Orlando, and the chance fight for a spot in training camp.

“Some people don’t have this opportunity,” said Martin, a 6-foot-7 forward who was a two-time Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year for Rhode Island. “I have to take advantage of this opportunity. Not getting drafted, yeah it hurts a little, but I still got a shot. There are other ways to make it. This can be my way.”

Martin, who averaged 13.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game as a senior in helping the Rams reach the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1999, worked out for the Knicks, Bucks, Raptors, Celtics, Nuggets and Mavericks. He was supposed to work out for the Magic, too, but had to cancel. Still, they showed the most interest in him.

Martin is keeping an open mind about his future. He isn’t against playing overseas, but his focus is trying to give the NBA his best shot. To do that, he will have to prove himself in Or- lando beginning July 1.

“I got to play to my strengths. I got to really rebound the ball, that’s the big thing,” he said. “I got to continue to block shots, show my athleticism, my mid-range [game], be vocal on the court, bring energy to the team.”

Other local prospects to agree to terms to play in the NBA Summer League: Kentucky’s Isaiah Briscoe of New Jersey (76ers), Dayton’s Scoochie Smith of The Bronx (Celtics), and Monmouth’s Justin Robinson (Heat).