Meet LaRue Martin.
The primary total decide within the 1972 NBA draft by the Portland Trailblazers who lasted solely 4 seasons within the league.
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He was taken primary out of Loyola Chicago, the place he excelled on the courtroom.
Sadly for Martin, it did not fairly work out for him on the skilled stage.
His identify has lengthy been forgotten by NBA historical past books, and when he’s talked about, the phrase bust is shortly adopted.
In his 4 seasons within the league, Martin averaged 5.3 factors and 4.6 rebounds over 271 profession video games.
Nothing to put in writing residence about.
And whereas Martin by no means discovered the success on the NBA {hardware} he was on the lookout for, he has since discovered it off the courtroom and within the company world.
What began as a post-NBA profession as a UPS driver has since blossomed into the position of UPS Illinois district public affairs and neighborhood providers supervisor.
In an interview from 2017 with Medill Stories Chicago, Martin shared his story and the way he was at peace with how his life turned out.
“There may be life after sports activities,” Martin mentioned.
“Interval.”
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He went on to notice that he would not have any unwell will or bitterness in the direction of being known as a bust.
“I don’t consider in saying something detrimental, you don’t have any management over that,” Martin mentioned.
“I took care of my household, did what I needed to do and I’m the kind of particular person the place I can’t dwell off the negatives. I can’t.
“I saved my head up excessive and moved onto a constructive mode of life and it has handled me very effectively.”
He was used to the criticism.
“As a younger man, studying the papers on a regular basis, that bothered me, I need to admit that,” Martin mentioned.
“However I maintain my head up excessive now as a result of I’ve been very profitable within the company world.”
Martin was in a position to replicate on his life’s journey.
“If you’re the No. 1 draft selection, you’ve gotten quite a lot of stress,” Martin mentioned.
“I used to be a younger man, 21, 22 years of age and you’ve got an enormous zero in your again and other people need you to supply.
“I didn’t have the chance to supply in order that they known as me the worst draft selection within the nation, the massive bust, however as you become old you discover ways to stay with it and I by no means say something detrimental about it.
“They’ll’t take that No. 1 draft selection away from me.
“You simply discover ways to stay with it and transfer on in life.”
Martin is true.
Nobody will ever be capable to take away his title as first total decide.
Sadly for him, that title additionally comes with a bust designation, however as Martin mentioned, he would not care.
He discovered his success elsewhere, away from the sport.