Martinez shines in Vietnam cagefest

Filipino sharpshooter James Martinez continues to shine on the international basketball stage.

Martinez, now playing for the Ho Chi Minh City Wings, made history in his Vietnam Basketball Association (VBA) debut despite a 105-123 loss to the Can Tho Catfish.

After leading Phoenix A to a championship in the Doremart Cup basketball tournament in Sibu, Malaysia, the 38-year-old veteran is bringing his talents to Vietnam.

In his debut, Martinez delivered an outstanding performance by scoring a team-high 34 points, including 9-of-16 shooting from the three-point area.

Martinez’s nine triples set a new VBA record, breaking the previous mark of eight three-pointers made by Vo Kim Ban during the 2020 VBA Finals.

Martinez is no stranger to international success, having also led the Phuket Waves to the 2023 Thailand Basketball League championship.

“Sobrang saya ko dahil tuloy-tuloy pa rin ang mga blessings, at nakakalaro pa rin ako sa international basketball,” said Martinez, who was selected as No. 18 overall by Barangay Ginebra in the 2011 PBA Draft.

“Masaya rin ako na na-break ko yung record para sa pinakamaraming three-pointers sa isang laro. Hindi ko inaasahan na mangyayari ’yun. Credit sa mga teammates ko, sa coaches, at sa mga boss,” added Martinez, also a former University of the East standout.

The 5-foot-9 Martinez expressed his gratitude to those who have always supported and believed in him.

“Nagpapasalamat kay Ma’am Catherine Vicencio ng Drip and Shots, kay Madam Dahlia at Madam Pinky ng Sakura Lounge PH, Piere Lim ng Sportsology, The Third Floor ni Boss Gerald, Boss Jett Maronilla, Boss BC and Gino, Boss Walther Buenavista, Boss Dennis Chiang, John Rosagas ng Uratex, EOG Sports ni Jr Guevara, at Pawlo Misolas ng Sprinto Shades as my official eyewear,” he added.