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Class of 2026 center Iker Martinez has committed to Syracuse men’s basketball, he announced on social media Tuesday evening. The 7-foot Martinez plays for AZ Compass Prep EYBL (Arizona) and represented the Mexican Under-17 national team.

Martinez, 19, was nominated as a McDonald’s All-American in January.

The center also received offers from Cal State-Northridge, Sacramento State, Missouri-Kansas City and High Point, among others.

In 2023, Martinez represented the Mexican U-17 national team at the Centrobasket U17 Championship.

Martinez fills a need for the Orange at the center position. After last season, SU lost all three of the players who primarily played the position. William Kyle III graduated, Akir Souare transferred to Pitt and Tiefing Diawara committed to South Florida.

However, in the offseason, Syracuse has mostly replenished the spot. It added former Appalachian State big Luke Wilson, who averaged double-figure points last year, and Malian center Abdramane Siby, who played in Europe. Martinez adds another piece to the puzzle at center for new head coach Gerry McNamara.

Published on May 19, 2026 at 9:09 pm
Contact Nicholas: njalumka@syr.edu | @nalumkal