In his first season at Calvary Day, Coach Bob Martin has already turned the Cavaliers into a championship contender. By leading them to a region championship, an Elite Eight appearance, and a 23-8 record, Calvary Day basketball has emerged as one of the top program in the Savannah area. Coach Martin’s strong starting five has contributed to early success, including his junior guard, but most importantly, his son, Jamin.
Calvary Day coach Bob Martin with his son, Jamin Martin, during a game this season. (Courtesy Calvary Day School Athletics Department)
Selflessness and leadership are pillars that Coach Martin works to instill in his son, Jamin, and throughout the entire team. “We have to be unselfish, and we have to really, really find ways to identify what our strengths are to benefit the entire team,” Coach Martin said.
Coach Martin said his team-first philosophy stems from an African concept called Ubuntu, which translates to “I am because we are.”
“I am good because the players are good,” Coach Martin said
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Calvary Day players gather around coach Bob Martin for instruction during a timeout this season. (Courtesy Calvary Day School Athletics Department)
Martin also gave credit to other teammates in contributing to Calvary’s team-first effort: Demetrius “Meechie” Brown and Chol Kiir. “Meechie is a good point guard because Jamin can shoot the ball. Jamin’s a good shooter because Meechie can get him the ball, and because Chol Kir is our big man who can rebound and start our break.”
Martin’s embrace of Ubuntu has played a key role in the Cavaliers’ early success under his leadership.
The duo’s basketball success goes way back before coming to Calvary. “We’ve been coaching together since the second grade. Officially on a team, and they would wreak havoc. It’s just a lot of fun. Jamin has always been spunky.”
While the Martins and their teammates thrive on competition and share undeniable chemistry on the court, the father-son relationship off the court is just as sacred.
“We just like to be father and son when we’re at the house, and not mess around with the basketball stuff.” Both Martins agreed that separating basketball from home life helps keep their relationship grounded.
Moving from the metro Atlanta area down to the Savannah Lowcountry has helped the pair grow closer. “Scooting around the city in our e-scooters is what we like to do together,” Jamin said. “We also like checking out new restaurants, since we’re new here.”
As the new men on campus, navigating the halls of Calvary Day School was something the Martins found to be welcoming rather than daunting. “I just like the community aspect,” Jamin said. “Everybody’s just very uplifting. There’s no jealousy, there’s no envy.”
Calvary Day’s Jamin Martin goes up for a shot during a game this season. (Courtesy Calvary Day School Athletics Department)
“I think culture is what you allow it to be, good and bad. So we’ve been fortunate enough that everybody’s bought into a culture of caring for one another, a culture of hard work.” Martin said.
With their first season at Calvary, which produced strong results, the Martins stated their main purpose was to build on this season's success and carry their momentum into the next season. “I think we were right on pace in our first year. I think we exceeded the pace at which we could establish excellence. I’m proud of all these young men and what they provide.”
On 63rd & Waters, the Martins are bringing their family chemistry and strong work ethic to foster unity on the basketball court. At Calvary Day, the Martins are building more than a basketball team - they’re building a team culture together.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Calvary Day School’s Athletic Department
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Team physicians include Dr. Don Aaron (Bryan County), Dr. David Sedory (Benedictine, Bradwell Institute, Liberty County), Dr. David Palmer (Calvary Day, Richmond Hill, South Effingham), and Dr. Thomas Alexander (Savannah Country Day, St. Vincent’s Academy).
