Instant Impact: Martin Iti

Well-traveled big man is biggest recruit in Charlotte history

By J.M. Woodman, Special to SI.com

Martin Iti Fr., Charlotte Position: C Ht.: 7'0" Wt.: 240 High School: Mt. Zion Academy Hometown: Sydney, Australia/Durham, N.C. TheInsiders.com Ranking: No. 30 overall, No. 6 center SI.com's Impact Freshmen Brandon Bass LSU Tigers Luol Deng Duke Blue Devils Martin Iti Charlotte 49ers David Padgett Kansas Jayhawks Mustafa Shakur Arizona Wildcats Charlie Villanueva UConn Huskies Von Wafer FSU Seminoles

It took Martin Iti a little time to get settled in the United States after relocating from his native Australia. But after stops in four states in four years, Iti's college choice hasn't taken him far from Mt. Zion Academy in Durham, N.C., where he spent his senior year as a basketball standout.

Iti committed early to the Charlotte 49ers, making him the highest-ranked recruit in school history and adding what head coach Bobby Lutz hopes is the final piece the 49ers need to dominate their Conference USA opponents.

"Any time you have a player who has his talent and skills and is hungry to get better, you're excited," Lutz said. "I'm really excited about the things he can do."

The Hype

Iti's trademark is his defensive ability. His size, at 7-feet, 240, provides a commanding physical presence, and his talent gives him an aggressive streak that his new coach says "changes the game on the defensive side."

In his senior season, Iti averaged three blocks and 10 rebounds along with 14 points and a 58 percent average from the floor.

If there's a knock on Iti's game, it's undoubtedly his offensive output -- but that could be a blessing for the 49ers.

"If he were fully developed offensively, he wouldn't be coming to college," Lutz said, knowing that Iti has the size to play at the next level and pro scouts are already taking notice.

But with the new season on the horizon, look for those offensive numbers to go up under the tutelage of Lutz.

"He doesn't need to have five or six moves, and we don't want to take his power game away from him," Lutz said. "He will dunk on people, but when people push off the block or play behind him, we want to give him a move over each shoulder and have him score over people."

His Role

Lutz knows his talented freshman will see "major minutes" in his first season -- but with senior Calvin Clemmons returning from injury, Iti will have to earn every minute and a starting spot if it's to be his.

"Martin brings something that Calvin can't do," Lutz said referring to Iti's size and knack for shot blocking. "But I'm not going to hand him the starting position before the first day of practice. I've never done that."

When he's on the court, depth and experience will surround Iti. Three starters return from last year's squad and will shield Iti from some pressure despite his reputation.

Perhaps that's just the role that will allow Iti to become a star on both ends of the court.

"The fact that he doesn't have to score," Lutz said, "will allow him to score more."