by Connor Pelton, SDA Communications Student Assistant
For the first time in 30 years, the Pac-12 handed out its Sixth Man of the Year award on Monday. And for Arizona State freshman Remy Martin, the timing couldn't have been better.
Martin (along with Colorado guard Dominique Collier) earned the award in just his first season in Tempe. He did so by leading all eligible players in points (9.6), assists (2.9) and steals (1.2) per game.
"Remy is one of those guys that thinks he's the best player on the court no matter who is out there," said head coach Bobby Hurley earlier this year. "He's got unbelievable confidence while still being very team-oriented. He is just trying to make all the plays he can make to get a win."
While Martin's stats certainly stand out, his energetic style of play and consistent flair for the dramatic endeared the point guard as a fan favorite throughout the year.
His best game came in the Sun Devils biggest win of the season, dropping a career-high 21 points and five steals in a victory at No. 2 Kansas. In his team's 10-point victory at Washington State, Martin scored all 10 of his points on the day in the final six and a half minutes of action.
And most recently, the freshman's frantic defensive effort paved the way for Arizona State to climb all the way back from a 19-point deficit in Saturday's regular season finale against Stanford. In that edition of Remy being Remy, the point guard was on the floor for a Pac-12 high 28 minutes, recording three steals to go along with 14 points and seven assists.
Martin was a key member of the team's "Guard U" movement throughout the year, and he joined two of his backcourt counterparts in receiving postseason recognition this week. Senior Tra Holder was named to the Pac-12's All-First Team roster, while fellow senior Shannon Evans II received honorable mention honors.
The Sun Devils return to action on Wednesday afternoon in Las Vegas against Colorado, where Martin and Collier will have a chance to face off in a battle of the Sixth Man of the Year award recipients. Tip-off for the Pac-12 Tournament opener is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. (MST).
For the first time in 30 years, the Pac-12 handed out its Sixth Man of the Year award on Monday. And for Arizona State freshman Remy Martin, the timing couldn't have been better.
Martin (along with Colorado guard Dominique Collier) earned the award in just his first season in Tempe. He did so by leading all eligible players in points (9.6), assists (2.9) and steals (1.2) per game.
"Remy is one of those guys that thinks he's the best player on the court no matter who is out there," said head coach Bobby Hurley earlier this year. "He's got unbelievable confidence while still being very team-oriented. He is just trying to make all the plays he can make to get a win."
While Martin's stats certainly stand out, his energetic style of play and consistent flair for the dramatic endeared the point guard as a fan favorite throughout the year.
*saved the best highlight for last*
— Sun Devil MBB (@SunDevilHoops) December 20, 2017
Chef Remy always keeps it spicy in the kitchen ????#SCtop10 pic.twitter.com/hZQDHQN5XD
His best game came in the Sun Devils biggest win of the season, dropping a career-high 21 points and five steals in a victory at No. 2 Kansas. In his team's 10-point victory at Washington State, Martin scored all 10 of his points on the day in the final six and a half minutes of action.
And most recently, the freshman's frantic defensive effort paved the way for Arizona State to climb all the way back from a 19-point deficit in Saturday's regular season finale against Stanford. In that edition of Remy being Remy, the point guard was on the floor for a Pac-12 high 28 minutes, recording three steals to go along with 14 points and seven assists.
?? REMY MARTIN JUST MADE A RIDICULOUS NO-LOOK PASS TO DE'QUON LAKE ?????? pic.twitter.com/V2i6UlL2QV
— Sun Devil MBB (@SunDevilHoops) March 3, 2018
Martin was a key member of the team's "Guard U" movement throughout the year, and he joined two of his backcourt counterparts in receiving postseason recognition this week. Senior Tra Holder was named to the Pac-12's All-First Team roster, while fellow senior Shannon Evans II received honorable mention honors.
The Sun Devils return to action on Wednesday afternoon in Las Vegas against Colorado, where Martin and Collier will have a chance to face off in a battle of the Sixth Man of the Year award recipients. Tip-off for the Pac-12 Tournament opener is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. (MST).