The New Jersey Nets introduced Kenyon Martin to a real bearcat in a publicity stunt on media day. (AP photo) | ZOOM |

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        EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — It's no accident that Kenyon Martin is wearing No. 6 on his New Jersey Nets uniform. It was Bill Russell's number, and that has meaning to the first overall pick in June's NBA draft. It stands for defense, and that's what Martin wants to be noted for in his rookie season.

        “The only goal I set for myself is probably making first-team all-defense, which has never happened for a rookie,” the former University of Cincinnati star said Monday as the Nets held their annual media day.

        When asked if his defense was that good, Martin didn't hesitate.

        “I think so,” said the three-time Conference USA defensive player of the year.

        “That's what separates me from a lot of people. They don't think about defense. They just want to go out and score.”

        During a recent pickup game, point guard Stephon Marbury got a good look at Martin's defense. The rookie blocked a shot by a guard going down the lane.

        “It was clearly a layup, and he just went up and grabbed it out of the air,” Marbury said. “He's good. He's good, and he is a better offensive player than people know.”

        Making the league's first-team defensive squad is not an unrealistic goal, said new Nets coach Byron Scott, who will start two-a-day workouts Tuesday.

        “We know from what he has done at Cincinnati that the guy can defend and block shots and intimidate,” Scott said. “He's a big guy, 6-9 or 6-10, but he's so quick. He has the type of attitude on the defensive end, it's almost like, "You got the ball and you think you're going to score on me?' attitude.”

        Martin, who averaged 18.9 points, 9.7 rebounds and 3.45 blocks last season when he swept national college player of the year honors, brushed off the idea of winning the rookie of the year award. He said he would be happier playing hard every night and just winning, something the Nets have not done much the last two seasons.

        Heading into the double practice sessions, Martin has no concerns about the right leg he broke in the Conference USA tournament.

        “I'm ready to lace them up and ready to get started,” Martin said. “It's been a long time. I'm a competitor and I'm going no matter what. If something happens, I'll have to deal with it. It shouldn't. I don't expect it to.”

        Keith Van Horn, who will play forward with Martin, didn't see the 235-pounder wince once during recent pickup games.

        “He never quit once and we played extremely hard,” Van Horn said. “He's very athletic, energetic. More than anything, that's the type of guy you need on the court, a guy who is never going to quit and who'll play hard.”

        The Nets missed that kind of play last season with Jayson Williams sidelined for the year.

        “He's deceiving,” said NBA Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson, a fellow Cincinnati alum. “He's a prototype forward for me. He can get up and down the court, he can box out and he has more strength than you think he has.”

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