Martinelli is one of the most accomplished players in Northwestern history. The old-school power forward uses brawn, touch and angles to make up for ground-bound athleticism.
About
Second Team All-Big Ten selection in 2025-26.
Second Team All-Big Ten selection in 2024-25.
Northwestern’s single-season, all-time leading scorer.
Strengths
Well-conditioned, physical frame who embraces a scrap. Martinelli rarely came off the floor for Northwestern and plays with so much force and power.
His trademarked “flipper” is one of the most unique shots in the draft class. Martinelli isn’t some insane athlete, but he has masterful touch in awkward places on the floor. That zip code right outside the restricted area is his playground. Shot 54% on floaters and 50% on hook shots, per Synergy. Those are both well above-average marks.
Very comfortable finding and attacking mismatches. Unselfish, willing passer whenever a double team gets sent his direction.
Weaknesses
Athleticism is lacking. Not a ton of vertical explosiveness, which shows up on the glass and with what he has access to offensively. Only threw down 14 dunks in 120 career college games.
Has turned himself into a rock-solid 3-point shooter, but the mechanics are a bit funky. Low release point and needs some time to wind up and fire.
Does not project to be much of a secondary rim protector. Will have to rely on physicality, timing, anticipation and understanding the scouting report to be an asset on defense.
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