MANILA, Philippines — Filipino-American guard Remy Martin had a fairy tale ending to his college hoops career with a national championship after a rocky season with the Kansas Jayhawks.
After struggling with a knee injury for most of the year, Martin was able to get his bearing just in time as he went on an impressive run in the NCAA Tournament where he copped Most Outstanding Player in the Midwest region.
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Shortly after winning his first and only national championship, Martin spoke about the challenges he faced.
"This year has been, you know, a tough year individually for me, just injuries and just you know, hard to find the groove sometimes but it felt great, man," Martin said.
"These guys have been amazing throughout the whole process they've always kept me going," he added.
Martin was scorching from the field in Kansas' first three games in the US NCAA Tournament as he normed almost 20 points per game to lead Kansas to the Midwest region title.
In the final against the North Carolina Tarheels, Martin scored 14 points including some booming triples in the clutch to keep Kansas ahead.
His willingness to step up in big moments, Martin said, was the result of his team being there for him during the hard times of the year.
"They always gave me confidence and I couldn't ask for a better group," said Martin.
The future is now uncertain for Martin as he has yet to declare for this year's NBA draft.
Experts have speculated that Martin's draft stock has risen due to Kansas' run in March Madness and his role in it.
The 23-year-old also previously declared for the NBA draft last year before turning back and entering the transfer portal to join the Jayhawks.