The starting forward will have a bigger role after a breakout season last year.
Who he is
Senior; 6-foot-7 forward from Glenview, Illinois
2023-24 Stats
34 games, 11 starts, 26.0 minutes per game, 8.8 points per game, 4.3 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game, 49.2% FG, 27.1% 3P, 78.0% FT
2023-24 Review
After a quiet yet productive freshman year, Martinelli took a major leap forward in his sophomore season, as he averaged career highs in points, rebounds and assists. He was one of two sophomore forwards in the Big Ten to shoot 49% or better and became the first Northwestern underclassman to average over eight points and four rebounds per game since Ryan Young in the 2019-20 season. Martinelli’s play certainly contributed to Northwestern’s success last season, as it went 9-3 when Martinelli scored double figures. His top moments included notching a career-high 27 points, the most by a Northwestern underclassman since 2020. He also achieved his first double-double and was awarded the Fisher-McGrath Award for MVP after recording 16 points and five rebounds against DePaul. Late in the year, he showed off his skills in March Madness with eight points and five rebounds against UConn.
Despite a cold three-point shooting percentage in the home stretch of the season, Martinelli found most of his success in the paint and around the rim, as he had the highest two-point shooting percentage on the team last year. His play steadily improved throughout the season, as did his minutes, exceeding the 30-minute mark for the first time last February and recording his first start in the following game. By the end of the season, he was a regular starting forward alongside Luke Hunger, a role he earned through his offensive production.
Strengths
Martinelli’s bread and butter is his famous jump hook, which has improved in both usage and consistency throughout his career. A typical “Martinelli play” would usually start with his physicality down low, as we would steadily back his defender down, then execute his jump hook and drill the shot. Martinelli found consistency with this play and has been praised for his effectiveness from midrange and in transition. He also found success last season on the glass, developing his two-way playing. His role in the starting lineup last season also helped the ‘Cats, as his rebounding served as a strong complement to Hunger who was known primarily for his size and shotmaking and less for his work on the glass. Martinelli was also comfortable in his role as a scorer and made sure to be the open man and create space when the ‘Cats had the ball. He’s also a knockdown free throw shooter and took advantage of drawing fouls in transition.
Weaknesses
While his offensive production has improved significantly, his defense continues to be his weakness. He struggles to defend players in transition and struggles against players with physicality. Despite being able to muscle his way to the rim on offense, he struggles to use his body against players who are stronger or more aggressive in the post. He’ll need to do a better job leveraging his strength defensively and preventing “blow-bys” by his opponents.
Martinelli also struggled from behind the arc last season, especially during the latter half of the season. He continues to take shots when he’s open and just hits them with much less consistency than his other shots. The ‘Cats were a strong three-point shooting team last year, and Martinelli wasn’t able to live up to the level of certain sharpshooters in the lineup such as Ryan Langborg. Martinelli will look to improve his shots from distance, as that will increase his offensive production and provide him with more skills in his toolbox.
Expectations
Martinelli’s stock is rising as he’s improved dramatically during his career and will look to be even better on both sides of the ball. It’ll be a season with more playing time, but also higher expectations for the junior, as he’ll be logging a career-high in minutes and will likely spend all season in the starting lineup. His role will become more crucial to the team’s success and he will have to meet the moment when called upon.
I expect Martinelli’s signature jump hook to continue being on display as his go-to shot on offense. He’ll strive to be even more consistent with that shot and rely on it when the Wildcats offense needs a spark offensively. I also expect he’s been working on this three-point shot this offseason and might be poised to take more shots from behind the arc, attempting to set the tone early with an improved stroke.
I expect his defense to improve as well, as he knows better than anyone that’s the biggest hole in his game. If he can continue his consistency around the rim, improve his shot from long range and polish his defense, there’s no telling what Martinelli can accomplish this season.