Sirlester Martin was the glue of the Youngstown State Basketball Team last season.  This year he has help, a team full of guys still trying to win games.  With the upcoming BracketBusters game on Fenruary 20th, nobody has to remind Martin that if this team can catch fire and play a stretch of complete games, that the sky is still the limit.  Martin stands at 6’7″ and grew up in Memphis, Tennessee and has been the most consistent rebounder the Penguins have had through the last couple of seasons.  I recently sat down with Martin and discussed everything from Coach Slocum being on Survivor to X-Box to academic standing.

Paneech:  What is it going to take for you guys to make some noise in your conference tournament?

Martin:  We have to be tough and stay disciplined on defense.  We have to box out and do all of the small things all the time. 

Paneech:  You recently had a game on ESPNU.  People came out of the woodwork to see.  How much of that do you guys really take in?

Martin:  Well, what we do when we go into any game is not focus on the fans.  We just try to motivate each other and keep one another going.  The bench has to have life, everyone has to stand up and be clapping.  We use the extra energy from the bench to keep our guys going.  We don’t focus on the stands or who is watching us. 

Paneech:  So when there is a packed house chanting “De-Fense“, you can’t hear it?

Martin:  I mean, you can hear it, but you kind of block it out because you are focused. 

Paneech:  Comment on Coach Slocum.  He is an emotional guy.  Could you see him on a reality show like Survivor?

Martin:  Coach Slocum is a real interesting guy.  I have played for many coaches and he [Slocum] definitely has his own way of doing things.  He does have alot of passion for the game, but I think we all do.  As far as seeing him in another role, he thinks he is pretty funny.  I could see him doing some stand-up comedy or something like that.  Maybe doing a radio show where he can open up.

Paneech:  How did you get to Youngstown State, and what other options were available to you?

Martin:  I came out of Walters State Community College in East Tennessee.  I played two years there.  My freshman year, I played pretty well and in my sophomore season, we went to the nationals and finished the season 32-3.  Coach Mike [Wernicki] came up and seen me.  I was recruited but had a problem with some hours that Summer that I had to get finished.  Some schools would not wait around, but Youngstown State stood behind me and waited on me. 

Paneech:  How has the education been at Youngstown State?

Martin:  It has gone pretty well.  I asked around when I got here about different things to do as far as declaring my major.  I took general studies for the first couple of years.  I am leaning towards social work when I graduate.  I would like to work with juveniles and help straighten their lives out.  I came from an atmosphere that was tough, so I feel I can relate to what they are going through.  The classes at Youngstown State are challenging, and I love this school.

Paneech:  Do you watch any other sports, or just basketball?

Martin:  I used to watch alot of football, I was a wide receiver in high school.  Mostly though, I watch the Cavs.  They might be able to make a run, but it’s gonna be tough without Delonte [West] and Mo [Williams].  Shaq could turn out to be ok for them, but anything can happen.

Paneech:  Walk me through a day from start to finish.

Martin:  I wake up, go to my 8 o’clock class,  then I come here [Beeghly Center] and head up to the coaches office.  I do some studying or watch some film until my next class starts at ten.  Usually, I will come back to Beeghly, work out, and get to take some shots before practice.  Go through practice, shower, and then head home.  Depending on the day or the way I feel, I will stay and get more work done and then go home.  Once I get home, eat something, and then just watch some TV or play a video game.  After that, I relax and talk on the phone.  I usually call it a day around 11:30.

One Word Answers:

Favorite Fast Food:  McDonalds.

Favorite Drink:  Snapple Juice.

Biggest Phobia: Snakes.

Worst Habit:  Procrastinating.

Favorite Video Game:  Street Fighter and UFC

Best Show On TV:  The Game and Rayjay.

Best Movie Ever Made:  Waist Deep.

Favorite Cereal:  Lucky Charms.

Favorite Candy:  Gummy Bears.

Favorite Toy As A Child:  My wrestling men.  Hulk Hogan, Sting.

Best Class Taken at YSU:  Psychology.