Still years away from playing college basketball, Brandon Martin Jr. already carries the poise and mindset of a seasoned vet.

The rising prospect from The Phelps School in Pennsylvania has been on a steady rise this summer. With offers from Manhattan, Marshall, Fairfield, La Salle, Ohio and Kent State, his name is starting to buzz in college basketball circles.

“They just like that I’m still young and still have a lot of time to grow,” Martin said. “They’ve been tracking my progress and see I’m actively getting better, adding to my skill set and IQ, and doing the dirty work. Whether it’s defense or finding my role, I just try to take care of what needs to be done.”

Martin’s development has hinged on his versatility. Coaches have praised his ability to impact the game in multiple ways on both ends of the floor.

“I can play the one through five, and I can shoot off the ball, so I know how to move,” he said. “I stay in the gaps, defend, and just do everything a coach wants. I’m getting better at being one of those three-and-D, versatile guys but I can also play any role on the floor.”

With the school year approaching, Martin hopes to fit in a couple of unofficial visits before heading back to campus in September. A lot of high major programs have been in to see him recently, and he’s looking to repay them with an unofficial visit.

“Hopefully I get to take two before school starts,” he said. “I don’t know exactly which two yet, but I’m planning on visiting Penn State for sure. Illinois, Notre Dame and Ohio State are also on my list.”

When deciding which schools to visit, Martin said he is focused on finding the right fit.

“I’m basically deciding based off fit,” he said. “I look at coaching style and I look at culture. What can this school do for me? It’s beyond NIL and all that stuff. I’m not caught up in that. I’m focused on the fit.”

He already sees potential opportunities at several programs. A few programs that have recently been in to see him play already check a few boxes.

“Illinois had a player from the Phelps School, Will Riley, who went one-and-done and became a first-rounder this year,” Martin said. “I like what they did with him. When they saw me during the first live period, they were like, ‘Yeah, we’ve got to get at him early.’ I definitely like their culture. It’s a winning culture.”

“I like Ohio State’s culture too,” he added. “I got to visit last year and I hope to get back soon. Penn State is my hometown school, so I can’t wait for that visit. I know that’s going to be crazy, especially if it’s on a football game day. And Notre Dame was also up to see me, so hopefully I can get that visit scheduled soon.”

Though he is based in the Northeast, Martin said geography will not play a major role in his final decision.

“I’m really hoping to go wherever the best fit is. Whatever is best for Brandon, that’s what I’m focused on,” he said. “That could be close like a Pittsburgh or Penn State, or it could be far like Kansas. I’m not really caught up in saying I want to be here or there. It’s all about what makes sense.”

That maturity extends to his approach to development. Martin is already thinking like a future pro, with a focus on accountability and consistency. He’s paying attention to what NBA scouts are focusing on with the upcoming prospects and applying that to his game.

“You have to be able to shoot, run the floor, be conditioned and be coachable,” he said. “The higher the level you go, the tougher the non-negotiables become. For me, as long as I play defense, run the floor and do my job, the offense will come. But for me, you have to be able to play defense. You have to be able to keep up.

Martin continues to show that he is not just a young player with potential. He is a student of the game who understands the value of growth and fit in his basketball journey.