Fourteenth and last episode of U-16 Pasqua Barocca Tournament scouting reports sent by Australian Danny Mills, assistant coach and director of coaching and youth teams of UPEA Orlandina Basket. In this article he analyzes 6'0'' Spanish point-guard Alberto Martin ('95), from Real Madrid. Here we go.

BODY/ATHLETICISM: Martin is just 6’0” tall and has a slight build. He lacks great athleticism but makes up for that with his speed, quickness and smarts. He is in great shape physically and that allows him to play an up-tempo style both offensively and defensively for most of the game without tiring.

SHOOTING: Martin showed good form on his shot, which looked technically sound in both catch and shoot situations and off the dribble pull-ups. Has a quick release and will shoot the shoot the 3 if the defense gives him space, which he showed in both games against Germany and Italy. He impressed with his mid-range pull-up jumpers off on-ball screens and showed range out to 23 feet.           

POSITION OFFENSE: Martin possesses a tight handle and combined with his quickness makes him a tough match-up for any defender to stay in front of him. He was consistently pushing the ball in transition for Spain and showed good decision making in knowing when to make the right pass and when to look to attack himself. Showed the ability to slow down and read the defense against full-court pressure. His ability to read what the defense is giving him off of Spain’s on-ball screens, especially with #10 Javier De La Blanca and either attack and make the pass to the big man rolling/popping or getting in the lane himself for his pull-up jumper or attacking the rim and finishing causes headaches for the opposing teams. Martin shows good leadership and the ability to lead a team from the PG position.

DEFENSE/REBOUNDING: Martin uses his quick feet and speed to harass the opposing the Guards. Showed active hands and the ability to steal the ball when the opportunity arises. Is active in help situations and rotates well, taking a charge against Italy off penetration. His small size and strength will limit his effectiveness on the defensive end as he gets older and teams may look to expose that in the future, possibly by posting up bigger guards on him.

MISCELLANEOUS: Martin possesses a great feel for the game and controlled the tempo offensively for the Spaniards. Seems to have a good attitude and leads the team from the point position.

OVERALL RATING: 6 – At the U16 level Martin’s quickness combined with his smarts and feel for the game make him one of the best PG’s in Europe in the 1995 Class. How his body grows and develops over the next 2-3 years will determine what level he will eventually play at. With consistent continued improvement he has the ability to be an impact player at the LEB or ACB level.

Photo: A.M.