Nick Martinelli decommits from Elon U, sparks national recruitment

Scoring+Machine%3A+Senior+Nick+Martinelli+sizes+up+the+defender+as+he+drives+to+the+basket.+

Emily Pavlik

Scoring Machine: Senior Nick Martinelli sizes up the defender as he drives to the basket.

Kris Blumberg, Web Editor

Nick Martinelli, South’s star basketball player, recently decommitted from Elon University, and has received 10 offers, including Northwestern, Miami (OH), Toledo and others since reopening his recruitment according to Sloche, an Instagram sports media company. 

Following Duke University’s hire of former Elon coach Mike Schrage, Martinelli reopened his recruitment. Head basketball coach at South, Phil Ralston, supports Martinelli’s decision.

“I think it made complete sense,” Ralston explained. ”One of the problems in college basketball is that job security for coaches sometimes is not what we think of it. They could leave at any time because they either win, lose, or there are better opportunities.” 

As the class of 2022’s athletes are finishing signing to schools, Martinelli’s commitment will likely be announced soon. Ralston expressed his excitement for Martinelli and his future regarding college basketball. 

“I would love to see him be at a place where he can have a lot of success, get some playing time, and help his team make the NCAA tournament,” Ralston said.