Brian Edward Martin, a former forward for the University of Kansas Jayhawks and a professional basketball player, passed away at the age of 62. Born on August 18, 1962, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, Martin had a brief career in the NBA during the 1985–86 season, playing for the Portland Trail Blazers and the Seattle SuperSonics.
After college at Hutchinson Community College and the University of Kansas, Martin was selected in the 9th round of the 1984 NBA draft by the Indiana Pacers. He also had a lengthy career in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA), playing for multiple teams and winning a league championship with the Tampa Bay Thrillers in 1985.
Martin was known for his solid playing style as a 6'9" forward, averaging 9.0 points and 8.7 rebounds per game in the CBA over six seasons. Beyond basketball, Martin faced significant health challenges and battled schizophrenia, which affected his life profoundly.
He passed away on April 6, 2025, after complications related to heart failure and infections. Martin is remembered for his intelligence, basketball talent, and the challenges he overcame throughout his life.