MALIBU, Calif. – The Pepperdine men's basketball program announced two new additions to the squad in Jael Martin and Marley Zeller on Thursday. They will join the Waves in Malibu in the fall of 2024.
Jael "JJ" Martin | 6-foot-8 forward | Carlsbad, Calif. | Carlsbad HS
A long, athletic forward, Martin's versatility will mesh with the Waves up-tempo style of play. He averaged 17 points, nine rebounds, two steals and two blocks per contest in his junior season and will graduate from Carlsbad High School this spring.
"We're very excited to have Jael join us at Pepperdine," head coach
Lorenzo Romar said. "He is a very versatile player who has great length and size. We play a lot of positionless basketball and Jael's versatility will fit right in. At six-foot-eight, he's a capable ball-handler and three-point shooter with the ability to score inside and can also guard just about every position. Jael is also an outstanding student with great character and we're so thrilled to have him join us."
"I chose Pepperdine because I envision myself thriving and achieving my goals as both an athlete and an individual within the environment with the Waves," Martin said.
"I am thrilled to begin my college journey as a Wave and can't wait to see my dream become a reality while working to discover the exciting opportunities ahead. Go Waves!"
Marley Zeller | 6-foot-5 guard | Portland, Ore. | Central Catholic HS
Zeller will join the Waves from the Pacific Northwest next season after graduating from Central Catholic High School in Portland, Oregon. The guard averaged 19 points, seven rebounds, 1.5 assists and shot 40% from the three-point line during his junior season.
"Marley is a great pick-up for us,"
Romar said. "He can really score and handle the ball, and is a true guard in every sense of the word. He's a playmaker- very athletic, has great size for his position and is an outstanding student. Marley will be a great addition to our culture on and off the court."
"I'm very excited to attend and play at Pepperdine," Zeller said. "I know I will have all of the tools to help me improve my game and I have a great connection with Coach Romar and the staff already and know that they will push me to reach my personal goals."
"Pepperdine is in a competitive conference where I will be challenged with playing against the top players and teams in the country. I want to make a name for myself and help Pepperdine make a name for itself, too. Pepperdine is a great fit for me and I can't wait to join the Waves this summer!"
UP NEXT
The Waves return home for back-to-back games against Lafayette College (Penn.) and LIU Brooklyn on Sunday and Monday respectively.
