2025-11-17 12:00

I remember the first time I saw Jojo Martin play—it was during the 2019 PBA Governors' Cup, and honestly, I wasn't expecting much. But then he drove past two defenders and sank a contested layup that had me jumping off my couch. That's the thing about Jojo: he might not always be the flashiest name on the roster, but when he's on, he's electric. Over the years, I've followed his career closely, and while his stats might not scream "superstar," they tell a story of consistency and heart. For instance, did you know he averaged around 8.7 points and 4.2 rebounds per game in the 2021 season? Not mind-blowing, sure, but when you watch him play, you realize how much of his impact doesn't show up in the box score.

One moment that really stuck with me was during a post-game interview where his coach, Meneses, was asked about Jojo's role in a tight game. Meneses replied with that now-famous line: "Mahirap yung tanong mo kasi mahirap yung sagot ko diyan eh." Roughly translated, he was saying, "Your question is hard because my answer is hard to give." At first, I laughed—it sounded like coach-speak evasion. But the more I thought about it, the more it made sense. Jojo's value isn't something you can easily quantify. He's the kind of player who does the dirty work: setting screens, hustling for loose balls, and making the extra pass that leads to a teammate's open three. In one game I watched last season, he had just 6 points but finished with a +15 plus-minus rating, meaning the team was significantly better when he was on the floor. That's the Jojo Martin effect.

Let me paint a picture for you: it's the fourth quarter, score tied, and the opposing team's star is driving to the basket. Jojo, who's giving up a couple of inches in height, stays in front of him, forces a tough shot, and then sprints down the court to finish a fast-break layup. That's his game in a nutshell—gritty, smart, and full of effort. I've always preferred players like him over pure scorers because they make everyone around them better. Compare him to some of the league's high-volume shooters who might average 20 points a game but play matador defense; Jojo's 9 points feel more impactful because they come within the flow of the offense. In the 2022 conference, he shot a respectable 44% from the field, and while his three-point percentage hovered around 32%, I'd argue his timing on those shots is clutch. Remember that buzzer-beater against Ginebra? Yeah, that was Jojo.

What I love about his career is how he's evolved. Early on, he was mostly a role player, maybe logging 15 minutes a game and putting up 3 or 4 points. But by 2020, he'd bulked up and improved his handles, allowing him to create his own shot more often. I recall one game where he dropped 18 points and grabbed 7 rebounds—a career-high at the time—and you could see the confidence oozing from him. Stats-wise, he's never been an All-Star, but in my book, he's what I call a "glue guy." You don't always notice him until he's not there, and then the whole team feels looser. Off the court, I've heard he's a quiet leader, the type who leads by example rather than loud speeches. That Meneses quote? It wasn't just dodging the question; it was acknowledging that Jojo's contributions are nuanced, like a puzzle piece that doesn't stand out but holds everything together.

Looking back, I think Jojo Martin's PBA journey is a reminder that basketball isn't just about numbers. Sure, his career averages might sit around 7.5 points and 3.8 rebounds, and he's probably never going to win a scoring title. But if you're a fan who appreciates the little things—the defensive stops, the unselfish plays, the heart—you'll find yourself rooting for him. I know I do. In a league often dominated by big names and highlight reels, Jojo is that steady presence you can count on, game in and game out. And honestly, that's the kind of player I'd want on my team any day.