Martin, 26, joins the Dragons following stints with the West Sydney Razorbacks (2003), Sydney Kings (2004-‘06) and last season with the Cairns Taipans.

With 140 games and two NBL Championships to his name (Sydney Kings 2004, 2005), Martin adds a wealth of experience and valuable depth to the Dragons’ list.

“I’m very excited about the opportunity to play alongside and under Shane Heal,” Martin said.

“When I was younger I used to train at the Sydney Kings with Shane and he was always really helpful towards me and I’m looking forward to furthering that and playing well and contributing to the team and hopefully helping to put some wins on the board.”

Martin has signed to the club on a one-year contract with the option to extend the deal into a second season.

He said the Dragons’ unprecedented success in season 2006-‘07 was a major drawcard south.

“I was amazed the team was able to get back into contention for a playoff spot, let alone actually make it; it was always going to be a daunting task and I really think the guys pulled together and made a season of it,” Martin said.

“It was a great job to finish where they did.”

Martin will commence training with the Dragons on July 1, ahead of what he predicts will be a big season for the club.

“From what I hear, if everything goes to plan we should have a pretty competitive roster on the floor and from there it’s a matter of all learning to play with one another and giving it a real go,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to a new start and trying to make the most of it.”

South Dragons coach Shane Heal said Martin was a key addition to the South Dragons’ line-up.

“Luke’s somebody that I’ve had a bit of history with through the Sydney Kings and I like his style of basketball,” Heal said.

“He adds a depth to our club that will be really good and I think he will fit into the rotation really well. He’s got a unique quickness and speed to his game that you don’t get very often in the NBL and he’s a very good defender who I think can add a different side to our team than we’ve had in the past.

“Luke is coming in to build what we hope will be a really good back court, particularly in the second year… there will be even more opportunities for him down the track.”