Former Perth Wildcats icon Damian Martin says being inducted into the Basketball WA Hall of Fame on Saturday night will allow him to thank the entire state, saying moving across the country from New South Wales transformed his entire life.

Martin became a Wildcats hero, winning six NBL championships, including five as captain, and being named grand final MVP in 2016. A defensive weapon as point-guard, Martin represented Australia at the Olympics and became one of the most loved sports people in WA.

Having grown up in New South Wales and then played for the West Sydney Razorbacks, Martin never imagined he would live in Perth. But he said moving to WA had given him opportunities that he never imagined were possible.

“I love this state so much,” he told The West Australian.

“This my chance to show my appreciation for what this state has given me. It is the icing on a delicious cake. This state is amazing.

“Karratha is like my second home because of the number of times I’ve been up there and that’s allowed me to get to know the Cyclones (Basketball Club).

“I’ve done so many clinics and had holidays in Margaret River. Geraldton and Kalgoorlie have given me incredible experiences through basketball. And to be rewarded with this has allowed me to feel this way.

“Being up there on Saturday will allow me to thank this state. It means the world to me to be acknowledged in this way.”

“The best thing that happened to me was the West Sydney Razorbacks folding and Rob Beveridge bringing me out west. That really was the best thing that happened to me. What I thought would be a three year adventure turned into a no-brainer that whenever I came off contract, I was going to stay.”

Martin’s leadership skills are so strong that he now works for the Fremantle Dockers, and the 41-year-old admits he couldn’t have named an AFL player before moving to Perth.

Being inducted into the BWA Hall of Fame follows Martin’s number 53 jersey being retired by the Wildcats in 2024. But he said this honour felt totally different.

“When I found out the Wildcats were retiring my jersey, I had overwhelming emotions from memories about teammates, injuries, championships, setbacks, highs and lows because it was a period of my life I hadn’t thought about since retiring,” he said.

“That was about very specific memories and people. This has been about seeing the bigger picture.”