Martin Will Ask UCLA to Release Him : If Unsuccessful, Father Says Family May Consider Legal Options

High school basketball star Darrick Martin, failing in his attempt to have a letter of intent to UCLA ruled invalid, will ask Bruin officials for an unconditional release within the next day or two, his father said Tuesday night.

Jesse Martin, who has overseen the situation for his son, the Southern Section 5-A player of the year for St. Anthony High of Long Beach, said he will contact UCLA Athletic Director Pete Dalis and ask to be let out of the binding commitment. If that fails, the Martins will consider legal options, and there has already been some discussion that Darrick would attend a community college in the summer or fall--but not play--thus retaining his four years of college eligibility.

“The possibility is very real at this point,” Jesse Martin said of the community college alternative. “It’s not the first choice, but it’s very real.”

Transferring to play as a freshman is the last consideration, he said, adding that future schools have not even been discussed.

Asked whether UCLA would let Martin, regarded by many as the top point guard in the nation, out of the letter of intent, Bruin Coach Jim Harrick replied, “I probably would, but I don’t think the school will.”

Harrick inherited the situation, for the most part, when he took over for Walt Hazzard. Soon after Harrick was named, Jesse Martin questioned the validity of the letter of intent, citing a discrepancy between the time the letter and financial-aid papers were signed.

“You’ve got to look at it from both sides,” Harrick said. “What if we, as a school, were unhappy with a kid and didn’t want him to come? We would honor our commitment. Life is a two-way street.”

Meanwhile, in an unrelated matter, center Brian Williams, the former star at St. Monica High in Santa Monica who was regarded as the centerpiece to the University of Maryland’s resurgence, has decided to transfer, his former coach confirmed.

Reports from the East Coast are that Williams, a 6-foot 10-inch, 235-pounder who averaged 12.2 points and 6 rebounds per game last season as a freshman, is considering UCLA. His friends have said Williams might be taking classes in Westwood as soon as summer school.

“At this point, it looks like he’s going to transfer, and that’s unfortunate,” said Leo Klemm, who coached Williams at St. Monica during the 1986-87 season and spoke with him by phone in College Park, Md., Sunday. “I don’t want to say too much because I don’t want to complicate the situation, but that is my understanding.”

Williams reportedly cited lack of growth as a player and philosophical differences with Maryland Coach Bob Wade for his decision.

Harrick said he has not spoken with Williams or any representatives.