When you are searching for a quality American import Basketball player, usually you would look in America right? Well, the Ringwood Hawks have flipped the script and have just looked North, as in Northern Australia and have signed the athletic Ricardo Martin for season 2020.

Martin is a 6’7 (201cm) forward who will provide the Hawks will the athleticism that Hawks Assistant Coach Damien Smith has been craving since the Hawks season ended in July this year.

“I have been really pushing at Coaches meetings to add some speed and athleticism to our team and Ricardo ticks all the boxes I thought we really needed.” Smith said.

“He will be able to fill a few roles for us, not just scoring but rebounding and defensively as well.”

Martin has been somewhat of a world traveler since he finished his College career at Lander University, a Division 2 school in South Carolina. His 12 point and 8 rebound per game averages were good enough to help him achieve his goal of playing professional Basketball overseas. Martin headed to Chile in South America, then Mexico and Spain before getting a call to play in South Australia for the Central Districts Lions.

After winning team MVP, Martin headed North to play for Toowoomba in the Queensland Basketball League and had another strong season. It was the lure of NBL1 Basketball that has led Martin to Ringwood and he hopes that the opportunity can lead him even further.

“It’s great to be heading to the Hawks and I think I can really contribute to a team that looks to be a serious challenger.” Martin said.

“I am also hoping to catch the eye of some NBL teams as I am looking to naturalize and become an Aussie in the near future.”

With two NBL teams on the Hawks doorstep, Martin picked wisely with his choice of teams to step in to the NBL1 in 2020. His size and ability to play above the rim will not just catch the eye of NBL scouts but hopefully pack The Rings stadium with kids hungry to watch the high flyer throw down a few nasty dunks.

Martin will need to head home before the Hawks can secure him a Visa and have him settled in Ringwood for the start of pre-season in early February with the new NBL1 regular season starting on the 17th April.

“I am really excited by the opportunity on court but it’s not just about that,” Martin said.

“I will get to work with kids and help them develop their games. I really love that and can’t wait to start.”