I still remember the first time I saw Jojo Martin step onto the professional court—there was something different about his movement, that raw determination in his eyes that you don't often see in rookies. His journey to becoming a PBA star wasn't just about talent; it was about overcoming what his coach once described as the "difficult questions with even more difficult answers." That phrase has stuck with me throughout covering his career, and it perfectly captures the essence of his rise.
When Jojo Martin entered the PBA draft back in 2018, many scouts had him pegged as a mid-round pick at best. Standing at 6'2", he wasn't the tallest guard in the pool, and his college stats—while solid—didn't exactly scream superstar. He averaged 14.3 points and 5.2 assists per game in his final UAAP season with the UE Red Warriors, numbers that were good but not exceptional. What set him apart, I noticed early on, was his work ethic. While other players were celebrating after games, Jojo would often be back in the gym, shooting hundreds of free throws until his form was perfect. I've covered basketball for over a decade, and I can count on one hand the number of players with that level of dedication.
His rookie season with the NorthPort Batang Pier was tougher than most people realize. Jojo struggled to find consistent minutes, averaging just 18.7 minutes per game and putting up modest numbers of 7.1 points and 2.8 assists. There were moments when you could see the frustration on his face—the missed defensive assignments, the forced shots, the adjustment to the physicality of professional basketball. It was during this period that his coach, Jarencio, made that now-famous comment to reporters: "Mahirap yung tanong mo kasi mahirap yung sagot ko diyan eh." The translation—"Your question is difficult because my answer is difficult"—perfectly encapsulated the challenge of developing a raw talent like Jojo into a polished professional.
What transformed Jojo Martin's career, in my opinion, was the 2020 PBA bubble season. With several key players sidelined due to injuries and health protocols, Jojo suddenly found himself playing 32.4 minutes per game. His statistics jumped dramatically to 16.8 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.3 rebounds—numbers that put him in the conversation for Most Improved Player. I remember watching his breakout game against Ginebra where he dropped 28 points and 9 assists, completely controlling the tempo against veteran guards like LA Tenorio. That's when I knew we were witnessing something special—the Jojo Martin PBA Journey was shifting into high gear.
The turning point came during the 2022 Commissioner's Cup finals. With his team down 3-2 in the series, Jojo put together one of the most remarkable performances I've ever seen live—42 points, 11 assists, and the game-winning three-pointer with 1.2 seconds left. After the game, when reporters asked him about his mindset during that final play, he echoed his coach's philosophy: "Sometimes the situation presents a difficult question, and you have to find an even more difficult answer." That mentality, I believe, is what separates good players from great ones.
Off the court, Jojo's impact has been equally impressive. He's started basketball clinics in underprivileged communities across Metro Manila, personally funding equipment and court rentals for over 3,200 kids since 2021. I've visited one of these clinics in Tondo, and the way those kids look at him—it's not just admiration for a basketball star, but genuine respect for someone who remembers where he came from. His charity work doesn't get as much media attention as his on-court exploits, but in many ways, it's more meaningful.
Looking at Jojo Martin's career trajectory now, it's incredible to think how far he's come. From that uncertain rookie to a bonafide star averaging 22.7 points and 7.4 assists this current season, his development has been remarkable to witness firsthand. The Jojo Martin PBA Journey represents more than just basketball success—it's about perseverance, about finding those difficult answers to life's challenging questions. As someone who's followed his career from the beginning, I'm convinced we're watching a future PBA Hall of Famer in the making. His story continues to unfold, and frankly, I can't wait to see what difficult questions he'll answer next.
