SPRINGFIELD — Jordan Martin, who completed a two-year basketball career at Missouri State this spring, has signed a professional contract with the Sampaense Basket team in Portugal.
Martin confirmed the one-year agreement Wednesday. He will depart for Europe on Sept. 1 to join coach Claudio Figueriredo and his new teammates. Sampaense, which was 16-15 last season, competes in the Proliga division — the top professional league in Portugal.
“It’s truly a blessing to have this opportunity,” said Martin. “I’m humbled by the chance to realize my dream of playing professional basketball. I’ve had this as a goal since I was shooting baskets in the backyard.”
The St. Louis native noted that his step to professional basketball was made possible by MSU head coach Paul Lusk, the team’s assistant coaches and his many teammates.
“Thanks to all my coaches and teammates at Missouri State who have helped me evolve into the player and person I am today. I am so indebted to all of them.”
Since transferring to Missouri State from John A. Logan College in Illinois, Martin played in 59 ball games over two seasons with 126 points and 101 rebounds. The 6-foot-8, 235-pound product of Hazelwood East High School also blocked 22 shots and snagged 22 steals for the Bears.
He is the second Missouri State player from the 2017 senior class to sign a professional contract in recent days. Dequon Miller, the MVC Newcomer of the Year in 2016, secured a multi-year deal with the BC Hallmann Vienna club of the Austrian Professional League last Friday.
