Kevin Martin holds first basketball camp since retirement from NBA

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Kevin Martin retired from the NBA in November of last year and he seems to be enjoying life after pro basketball.

Martin is hosting his yearly basketball camp this week, his first one since retiring. The former all-Ohio Blue Devil has been putting on the camp at his alma mater for nine years, but had to miss last year.

“I’ve been raising a child over the past year. And that’s why we couldn’t have camp last year. That’s why I decided to retire and take the next step in my career and it’s been great,” said Martin.

134 campers ages 7-13 are taking part in the camp at Winland Gymnasium. While most campers are there to learn more about the fundamentals of the game, many are excited to just get to hangout around Martin.

“He’s from Ohio and not many people from Ohio get to the NBA. I just hope I can be like him some day,” said camper Kamyn Karns.

After playing at Western Carolina, Martin was drafted in the first round of the 2004 NBA draft. He played for five teams over the course of the next 12 years. And while K-Mart said he’s enjoying the post-NBA life, he said if a team was to call looking for a veteran he’d at least pick up the phone.

“You never know. I always pick up [the phone]. I picked up a couple of times last year. But I’m happy where I am at right now,” said Martin.

Martin’s camp runs through Thursday.