Former UConn star Tyrese Martin turning heads with consistency, confidence in Nets camp – Hartford Courant

Few Nets players have generated more buzz in recent weeks than Tyrese Martin. Long considered a roster long shot, he’s drawn praise for his steady play, scoring bursts and versatility in training camp.

Fighting to carve out a role, he’s made an impression that teammates can’t ignore.

“Tyrese has really been probably the most impressive player that I’ve seen on the team so far,” Michael Porter Jr. said. “Because I didn’t know a lot about him, but he’s been consistently killing through scrimmages, through open runs. He’s a player that can slide in that point guard place but can also play the 2. He can pass the ball. He’s been really impressive.”

Martin joined the Nets as a training camp invite last season and quickly earned a two-way deal. His steady play, including a 30-point performance in a road game against the Phoenix Suns in November, led Brooklyn to convert his contract to a standard NBA deal in February.

The 26-year-old is now on a two-year contract worth about $2.8 million, a testament to how far he’s come since arriving in Brooklyn. He averaged 8.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.0 assists across 60 games last season while shooting 40.6% from the field and 35.1% from 3-point range.

However, the numbers tell only part of the story. Those around Martin say his biggest leap has come from within — in his conviction and understanding of the game.

He helped set the foundation for UConn men’s back-to-back titles. Now, Tyrese Martin is finding his niche in the NBA

“He’s been great, shooting the ball well, playing confident, and that’s the biggest thing,” Ziaire Williams said. “I feel like he’s just gained a lot more confidence. He knows his body right now really well, knows what he needs to work on and stuff like that. So yeah, he’s been good.”

This offseason, Martin zeroed in on consistency and detail. He spent time sharpening his reads with the ball in his hands, emphasizing balance by making decisions off two feet and staying aggressive on offense. Above all, he’s focused on trusting the work he’s already put in, confident he can be effective in either guard spot.

Head coach Jordi Fernández has seen that work translate. He praised Martin for his “super pro” habits, the kind of steadiness Brooklyn hopes to model across its young roster, and noted his improved handle and decision-making, along with the same shooting touch that once made him a standout at UConn.

“Consistent not just on his work, but also his personality and how he behaves,” Fernández said. “Even keeled. Never too high, never too low. Always a good example for the rest [of the team]. Doesn’t say much, but when he does say something it’s meaningful. All of those things are important for today and also for what we’re trying to build in the future.”

Martin appreciates the praise, but he knows nothing is promised. A two-year deal signals the front office’s faith in his potential, yet without full guarantees, security is still earned, not given. With Brooklyn over the 15-man limit, he’ll have to keep proving he belongs.

“I’d never say that I’m actually on a solid footing,” Martin said. “Even when things are guaranteed, stuff is still not guaranteed, especially in this business. So, that’s just been my mindset all the way out and through.”

Still, Martin made it clear how much the opportunity means to him. After bouncing between contracts and fighting for stability, he finally feels settled in a place that values what he brings. That sense of belonging, he said, makes the grind worth it.

“I love these guys, I feel like they love me the same way,” Martin said. “It’s fun being here. This is the first coach and team that actually gave me an opportunity, and I feel like I’ve held up my end, and didn’t make them look crazy for giving me an opportunity. So, it would be fun to stay here and make this my home, for sure.”

Originally Published: October 5, 2025 at 6:46 PM EDT