Meet LaRue Martin.
The first overall pick in the 1972 NBA draft by the Portland Trailblazers who lasted only four seasons in the league.
He was taken number one out of Loyola Chicago, where he excelled on the court.
Unfortunately for Martin, it didn’t quite work out for him at the professional level.
His name has long been forgotten by NBA history books, and when he is mentioned, the word bust is shortly followed.
In his four seasons in the league, Martin averaged 5.3 points and 4.6 rebounds over 271 career games.
Nothing to write home about.
And while Martin never found the success on the NBA hardware he was looking for, he has since found it off the court and in the corporate world.
What started as a post-NBA career as a UPS driver has since blossomed into the role of UPS Illinois district public affairs and community services manager.
In an interview from 2017 with Medill Reports Chicago, Martin shared his story and how he was at peace with how his life turned out.
“There is life after sports,” Martin said.
“Period.”
He went on to note that he doesn’t have any ill will or bitterness towards being called a bust.
“I don’t believe in saying anything negative, you have no control over that,” Martin said.
“I took care of my family, did what I had to do and I’m the type of person where I can’t dwell off the negatives. I can’t.
“I kept my head up high and moved onto a positive mode of life and it has treated me very well.”
He was used to the criticism.
“As a young man, reading the papers all the time, that bothered me, I must admit that,” Martin said.
“But I hold my head up high now because I’ve been very successful in the corporate world.”
Martin was able to reflect on his life’s journey.
“When you’re the No. 1 draft choice, you have a lot of pressure,” Martin said.
“I was a young man, 21, 22 years of age and you have a big zero on your back and people want you to produce.
“I didn’t have the opportunity to produce so they called me the worst draft choice in the nation, the big bust, but as you get older you learn how to live with it and I never say anything negative about it.
“They can’t take that No. 1 draft choice away from me.
“You just learn how to live with it and move on in life.”
Martin is right.
No one will ever be able to take away his title as first overall pick.
Unfortunately for him, that title also comes with a bust designation, but as Martin said, he doesn’t care.
He found his success elsewhere, away from the game.
