Alijah Martin’s basketball journey just reached the next level.
The former Florida basketball guard was selected by the Toronto Raptors with the No. 39 pick in the 2025 NBA draft, capping off a five-year college career that included two Final Four appearances and a national championship.
Martin becomes the latest Florida product to reach the NBA, joining former teammate Walter Clayton Jr. in this year’s draft who was drafted in the first round, as well as a legacy of Gators who’ve transitioned from Gainesville to the pros.
Martin made history before even hearing his name called. He became the first player to start in a Final Four for two different programs–first with Florida Atlantic in 2023, then again with the Gators in 2025, where he helped deliver Florida’s first national title since 2007.
In his lone season under Florida basketball head coach Todd Golden, Martin averaged 14.4 points, knocked down 79 threes and hit several clutch shots, including a pair of free throws in the title game that sealed the championship against the Houston Cougars.
Over his full college career, Martin totaled 2,022 points, 786 rebounds, 321 threes and 211 steals, showcasing a gritty, two-way skill set that made him a fan favorite and a reliable scorer wherever he played.
The Summit, Mississippi native is known not just for his highlight-reel dunks and three-point range, but also for his leadership and big-game DNA.
Martin scored double digits in 11 straight games starting March 1, including 17 points in the Final Four win over the Auburn Tigers and 10 points in the Elite Eight victory over the Texas Tech Red Raiders.
Now, Martin will look to bring that same energy, edge and winning pedigree to the Toronto Raptors. Whether it’s as a scorer off the bench or a defensive spark plug, the Florida standout has all the tools to carve out a role at the next level.
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Alijah Martin drafted by Toronto Raptors in second round of 2025 NBA draft
Reporting by Aidan Gallardo, Gators Wire / Gators Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
