FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Fairfield University Men's Basketball Head Coach Chris Casey has announced the signing of Qadir Martin to join the Stags for the 2026-27 season. Martin comes to Fairfield from Mercyhurst University with two seasons of eligibility remaining.
 
"Qadir was an elite defensive presence at Mercyhurst last season as both a rim protector and a rebounder," said Casey. "On the offensive end, he finishes his scoring opportunities and extends possessions with his offensive rebounding ability. We're excited to have Qadir as a part of our program."
 
Martin led the NEC and ranked 10th in the nation with 2.4 blocked shots per game last season, earning a place on the NEC All-Defensive Team. The 6'5" forward was also Mercyhurst's third-leading scorer at 11.6 points per game and slotted fifth in the conference with a team-leading 7.0 rebounds per game. Martin was fourth in the NEC with a .582 field goal percentage.
 
Mercyhurst earned the third seed in the NEC at 10-8 in conference play last season. The Lakers won two postseason games to reach the NEC Championship Game, where they fell on the road at top-seeded LIU.  Martin recorded a double-double with 20 points and 14 rebounds in the conference finals.
 
Prior to his two seasons at Mercryhurst, Martin was a two-time recipient of the Jaques Award as Staten Island Player of the Year and a two-time All-CHSAA performer at St. Peter's Boys High School. He averaged 18.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 3.4 blocks per game in his senior season with the Eagles.
 
Fairfield Men's Basketball finished the 2025-26 campaign with a 21-13 record – the second 20-win season in three years led by Head Coach Chris Casey. The Stags won two postseason games to finish their campaign in the MAAC Championship Semifinals.