Let me tell you, following JoJo Martin's PBA journey has been one of the most fascinating experiences I've had as a basketball enthusiast. I still remember watching his early games, that raw talent just jumping off the screen, and thinking this kid was something special. Over the years, I've tracked his career with genuine interest, not just as another player statistic but as someone whose development mirrored the evolution of modern Philippine basketball itself. His path wasn't always smooth—whose is?—but those pivotal moments, the ones that truly defined him, are what make his story worth telling. I want to walk you through what I believe are the five key career moments that every fan should know, moments that showcase not just his skill but his character.
The first moment that truly stands out in my memory was his 2018 rookie season debut against the San Miguel Beermen. I was there in the arena that night, and the energy was electric in a way that's rare for early season games. Martin came off the bench in the second quarter with his team down by 8 points. What impressed me wasn't just the 15 points he scored in 12 minutes—it was his composure. Rookies typically play with visible nerves, but Martin moved with a quiet confidence that belied his age. He hit three consecutive three-pointers during a crucial third-quarter run that completely shifted the momentum. That game, which they won 98-95, announced his arrival not as a future prospect but as someone ready to contribute immediately. I've always felt that first impressions matter tremendously in sports, and Martin's debut created a benchmark that he's been building on ever since.
Then came what I consider his true breakout performance during the 2020 Philippine Cup bubble season. The circumstances were extraordinary—players isolated from their families, games in empty arenas, the pressure of competition during a global pandemic. Martin's averages jumped from 9.8 points per game the previous season to 16.2, but numbers alone don't capture his transformation. I recall specifically his 32-point explosion against TNT, where he played 38 minutes and seemed to be everywhere on both ends of the court. What struck me most was his improved decision-making; his assist-to-turnover ratio improved from 1.8 to 2.7 that season. He wasn't just scoring—he was making everyone around him better. That bubble season forced many players to dig deep, but Martin emerged with a newfound maturity to his game that separated him from other young talents in the league.
The 2022 Commissioner's Cup finals presented what I believe was Martin's first true leadership test. With their import limited by foul trouble in Game 4, Martin took over primary ball-handling duties and willed his team to an overtime victory with 28 points, 7 rebounds, and 9 assists. I remember watching that fourth quarter thinking he was playing with a different kind of intensity—the kind you see from veterans who understand moment magnitude. His coach, Meneses, later commented in that now-famous press conference, "Mahirap yung tanong mo kasi mahirap yung sagot ko diyan eh," when asked about Martin's performance. I've always interpreted that quote as acknowledging that some performances transcend easy explanation—they're born from that perfect storm of talent, timing, and sheer determination. That series, which they eventually won 4-2, cemented Martin not just as a scorer but as a closer, someone you could trust with the game on the line.
Martin's first All-Star selection in 2023 represented another milestone, though I'll admit I have mixed feelings about All-Star games in general. They've become more about entertainment than competitive basketball, but for Martin, the recognition mattered. What impressed me more than the actual All-Star game was his performance in the three games leading up to the break—averaging 24.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists while shooting 48% from the field. He was proving the selection was deserved through his play, not just his popularity. I've always believed that true All-Stars play like ones before and after the weekend festivities, and Martin validated that belief with his consistent excellence during that stretch of the season.
The most recent defining moment came earlier this season when Martin signed his contract extension—reportedly worth ₱42 million over three years, making him one of the highest-paid local players in the league. Contract situations can sometimes distract players, but Martin responded by putting up career-best numbers in the first month after signing. I've seen many players struggle with the pressure that comes with big money, but Martin seems to be embracing the expectations. His player efficiency rating climbed to 19.8, and he's taken on more defensive responsibility, often guarding the opponent's best perimeter player. This development in his two-way game demonstrates to me that he understands greatness requires more than scoring—it demands complete engagement on both ends of the floor.
Looking at Martin's journey through these key moments, what stands out to me is the pattern of growth at each stage. He didn't burst onto the scene as a finished product but has consistently added dimensions to his game when opportunities presented themselves. From that promising rookie to the franchise player he's become, his path reflects the kind of career built on seizing moments rather than waiting for them. As someone who's followed countless players over the years, I can confidently say Martin's development curve is special. His story continues to unfold, but these five moments have already secured his place in the conversation about the league's most impactful players. The beautiful part is that at 27, his most defining moments likely still lie ahead, and I, for one, can't wait to see what comes next.