Garifuna Jafeth Martinez transformed boyhood hope into history–becoming the first Honduran-born athlete to play Division I in the USA.
The global sports world is buzzing about Jafeth Martinez—a towering 6’9” sensation who made history in 2025 as the first Honduran-born athlete to play NCAA Division I basketball. Long before bright arena lights and roaring crowds, his journey began in a small fishing village on Roatan Island. A relentless drive and unwavering faith propelled Jafeth from humble beginnings and staggering odds through college stardom and into the NBA Draft, shining a spotlight on this humble Bay Islands boy. With a remarkable 7-foot-2-inch wingspan unfurling like sails catching a trade wind, Jafeth snatches rebounds, swats shots like pesky mosquitoes, and cradles dreams born far from the polished hardwood courts of the United States.
Born on January 1, 2005, in picturesque Punta Gorda, Jafeth is the son of Óscar Navir Martinez, a merchant marine, and Karla Leiva de Martinez, manager of the Yurumei Sports Bar and Restaurant—a space rich with Garifuna culture proudly displayed for visiting tourists. Named after the biblical Japheth, one of Noah’s three sons and the forefather of many nations, Jafeth grew up alongside brothers Oscar and Frankie, sister Mireska, and a loyal black Great Dane, Beffa, whose name means best friend.
“Jafeth was a very active child,” his mother told Bay Islands Magazine editor, Roger Bjoroy-Karlsen, with a smile. “He swam and fished before school and played and hunted in the bush whenever he could. He attended elementary school in French Harbour, high school in Oak Ridge, and the local Catholic church. He loved playing the soccer game FIFA on his PlayStation. My son has always been kind, helpful, and polite, spreading cheer wherever he goes,” she added. “I am very proud of him. He visits me often and always brings a gift from the U.S.”
My son has always been kind, helpful, and polite, spreading cheer wherever he goes. I am very proud of him.
From an early age, Jafeth was driven by a passion for fútbol. As a defender for the Punta Gorda team, he rose at dawn like the village fishermen and sprinted along the shoreline beside the aquamarine sea and up punishing hills as his calves ached and his lungs burned. Those rigorous routines forged stamina and agility, mirroring the resilience and grit woven into the Garifuna spirit. Jafeth never forgets those who lifted him up when his dream was fragile—Felipe Ruiz, Pilín Álvarez, and a former college basketball player Jafeth met in church, Matt Nicky, whose guidance became both compass and ballast on his journey.
Basketball entered Jafeth’s life unexpectedly, much like a sudden, powerful ocean current when his older brother, Óscar, persuaded him to join a casual game on the well-worn local court. The satisfying sound of a battered basketball swooshing through a makeshift hoop stitched together with old fishing line—ignited something deep within Jafeth. Until then, Jafeth had envisioned following in his family’s maritime footsteps. However, with each persistent bounce of the ball and every shot that arced into the basket, the simple village court transformed into a stage for dreams that stretched well beyond the familiar coastline. Inspired by professional games that flickered across the television, Jafeth committed himself fully to the sport. He embraced grueling, marathon practice sessions, determined to master every nuance of this fast-paced sport.
The Pirates from Roatan, along with Jafeth Martinez, secured first place in the national Honduran tournament for players under 20 years in 2021, defeating the Jaguars of Tegucigalpa.
After launching his competitive career with Team United, Jafeth took another pivotal step forward when he joined a team coached by Dr. Raymond Cherington—a beloved physician and former Deputy of the Bay Islands. Recognizing Jafeth’s rare talent, the caring coach opened doors for his protégé on the Honduran mainland. When asked about his former player, Dr. Raymond praised Jafeth’s extensive family support. “When Jafeth played for the Pirates, his older brother Óscar drove him to practice in Coxen Hole three times a week. We played games all over the island as well as on the mainland in San Pedro Sula, Tegucigalpa, and Siguatepeque. In my 18th year of coaching, I can say that Jafeth was the hardest-working player I’ve ever had.”
Scouts took notice of the gifted, charismatic player with the white-toothed grin, who propelled his teams to tournament victories. A prestigious basketball academy polished Jafeth’s raw talent into a language spoken fluently by professional athletes.
Jafeth was the hardest-working player I’ve ever had.
Dr Raymond Cherington
On November 4, 2025, Jafeth Martinez made history as the first Honduran-born athlete to play NCAA Division I basketball, securing a full athletic scholarship to the University of South Carolina Upstate. Donning a black and green No. 12 jersey, he stepped onto the court carrying the pride of his island roots and his nation on his shoulders. Jafeth’s collegiate basketball journey began at South Georgia Technical College, advanced at Florida Southwestern State, and culminated in him anchoring the frontcourt for USC Upstate at 22 years old. Known for his explosive shot-blocking and thunderous dunks, he played with a rare blend of power and poise, testing himself against national programs like Nebraska and North Carolina. In those high-profile matchups, Jafeth grabbed nine rebounds each and posted career highs in points, rebounds, and blocks, showcasing his talent on the national stage.
Drawn by the trust and respect of head coach Marty Richter, the seasoned senior chose USC Upstate over a wave of offers. “Jafeth is a rare talent with a big heart,” Richter said. “He’s not just a fan favorite for his electrifying game, but for the warmth and energy he brings to our program.” Jafeth repaid that faith by seasoning the Spartans’ stat sheet with Caribbean spice—swatting 34 shots, shooting a sizzling 66 percent from the floor, and averaging 4.5 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.
Jafeth is a rare talent with a big heart
Marty Richter
Honduran media first thrust Jafeth Martinez into the national spotlight, but his reach has since stretched far beyond the country’s borders. On the court, he plays with the spirit of a Garifuna warrior—his defense unyielding, his offense relentless. With the 2027 NBA Draft on the horizon, Jafeth approaches every game with purpose, knowing that each point is a tribute to his Garifuna heritage worn proudly like a badge of honor. In a recent interview, Jafeth declared, “I know I’ve been given the responsibility to use my God-given talents to represent my Garifuna people. The better I play, the more glory I bring to my people.”
Jafeth’s ascent is a serene testament to faith and perseverance and a reminder that even the smallest shores can send waves across the world. Fueled with Garifuna grit and guided by unshakable faith, he lifts every triumph in gratitude, carrying his people, his homeland, and their dreams skyward each time he rises above the rim.
Bay Islands Magazine will follow Jafeth on his journey, so stay tuned!
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The author of the article:
Edwina Doyle Willis is a former high school and college instructor, speechwriter and public relations liaison for the Kentucky Department of Education, Fulbright Scholar to India, and author of eight books and numerous magazine articles.
Here is the link to her latest book, Roatan Remembered:
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