Darrick Martin Gets Ready For 13th Season In NBA

By Bruin Basketball Report

Darrick Martin is still having too much fun to quit just yet.

According to the Toronto Star, the former UCLA Bruin has agreed to a partially-guarenteed one year contract to play for the Toronto Raptors in the upcoming 2007-08 NBA season. It will be his third year with the Raptors and thirteenth in the league.

The 36 year-old veteran will be counted on again to serve as a third-string point guard behind developing players T.J Ford and Jose Calderon. The Raptors open training camp across the ocean in Italy next week

Martin is valued by the Toronto organizaton for his veteran presence and leadership with younger players. His partially-guarenteed contract provides him with some financial security while allowing the Raptors flexibility if his roster spot is needed for another player during the season.

He played in 31 games last season averaging 3.0 points and 1.4 assists in 7.2 minutes of action per contest and was a reliable shooter from beyond the arc hitting on 35.1% of his long distance shots.

Martin played four seasons at UCLA from 1988 to 1992. He averaged 9.3 points and 4.9 assists in his career. His best season as a Bruin was as a junior when he averaged 11.6 points and 6.8 assists per game. He currently ranks third in assists (636) and fifth in steals (179) on the UCLA all-time career list.

(photo credit: NBA.com)