The Otago Nuggets swingman has been named in a talented New Zealand 3×3 side for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, while Southern Hoiho small forward Eva Langton has been selected in the women’s team.
Martin was part of the New Zealand team that claimed gold at the Fiba 3×3 Asia Cup earlier this year.
He will be joined by Aidan Tonge, who will captain the team, and Josh Brook and Te Tuhi Lewis.
The foursome has been building their combination all year and, alongside the Asia Cup victory, they finished 10th at the World Cup earlier this month.
They are a strong medal prospect in Glasgow.
‘‘It's pretty phenomenal, man, it's going to be a cool experience,’’ Martin told the Otago Daily Times.
The 22-year-old is a busy young man. The transplanted Aucklander is studying health science at the University of Otago and is also part of the Nuggets’ set-up.
He has not played as much this season as you might normally expect.
That was a deliberate decision by the franchise. He was always going to be away playing 3×3 and his spot in the Commonwealth Games was essentially locked in long ago.
‘‘Three on three has been pretty hectic, a lot of tournaments, a lot of time away from the team. So, it's been kind of hard to focus on both teams at once.’’
Hectic is right.
The team leave for another tournament today. It is Mongolia. They are not staying in a yurt. We asked.
After that, they will assemble in Christchurch for a final training camp before heading to Scotland.
Martin expects Australia and England to shape as the toughest competition, and perhaps Scotland as well.
‘‘I think we have a pretty good chance of getting a medal. And our goal is to definitely come out with the gold medal.’’
The women’s team sees Ella Fotu return for her second Commonwealth Games appearance.
The experienced Sharne Robati has represented New Zealand across both Tall Ferns and 3×3 programmes and continues to build her international career.
Langton will make her Commonwealth Games debut, while Azure Anderson adds experience through her playing journey across New Zealand and Europe.
