ZACH IS BACK: Princeton University men’s basketball player Zach Martini pulls down a rebound in a game last season. Last Friday, junior forward Martini had season-highs of eight points and four rebounds in 13 minutes off the bench as Princeton defeated Division III Kean 88-70 and improved to 9-4. Martini, who was sidelined earlier this season for nearly two months due to a collapsed lung, is emerging a key frontcourt reserve for the squad. The Tigers begin their Ivy League campaign when they host Harvard on December 31. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
By Bill Alden
Zach Martini was primed to make a big impact this winter in his junior season for the Princeton University men’s basketball team, but he got hit with an injury in the preseason that nearly derailed him.
At a practice in early October, the 6’7, 235-pound forward collided with a teammate and he knew something was seriously wrong.
“My lung collapsed taking a charge, I was hospitalized for about five nights,” recalled Martini, a native of Warren. “It was really scary. It definitely changed my perspective on basketball and life. I didn’t think I would be able to play.”
After being sidelined for nearly two months while he recovered, Martini returned to action against Cairn on November 30.
“I am just really, really fortunate to play and be back on the court again with my team, the guys I love and support,” said Martini. more