Former KU Guard Brian Martin Passes

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Former Kansas center Brian Martin passed away Friday, August 15, 2025, in his hometown of Wichita, Kansas. Martin was 62 years old.

Recruited by then-KU head coach Ted Owens, Martin played three seasons at KU from 1981-82 through 1983-84, with his final season under Larry Brown who replaced Owens in 1983. Martin graduated from Wichita Northwest High School in 1980 and played the 1980-81 season at Hutchinson Community College before transferring to Kansas.

A regular who averaged 17 minutes per contest, Martin played 84 games while at KU with 17 starts. The 6-foot-9 center averaged 4.2 points and 3.6 rebounds per contest for his career. Martin was a captain on the 1983-84 KU squad during his senior season, a team that finished 22-10 and won the Big Eight Conference Tournament. KU went 1-1 in the 1984 NCAA Tournament.

After KU, Martin had a 10-year professional career, including stints in the NBA, CBA, and European leagues.

Martin and his wife, Jodi Martin, returned to Wichita in 2002 when Martin worked in the insurance business for 20 years. After his time in the insurance industry, Martin moved to commercial banking in Wichita.

Martin is preceded in death by his parents, Malty and Wanda Sue Martin. He is survived by his wife, Jodi Martin; daughters, Alissa (Erik) Kusnerus, Emily Martin; son, Alex (Shellby) Martin; sister, Debbie Bush; brother, Keith (Janis) Martin; grandchildren, Braylon Martin, Aiden Kusnerus, and Ella Kusnerus.

A memorial service for Martin will be held Friday, August 22, 2025, at 11 a.m., at Ridgepoint Church (8000 W 21st Steet, Wichita, KS, 67205). The service will be live streamed here via the church website.

Memorials for Martin have been established with: Victory in the Valley, 3755 East Douglas, Wichita, Kansas 67218 and Children's Mercy, 2401 Gillham Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64108.

University of Kansas Athletics

Former KU Guard Brian Martin Passes

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