Florida Basketball has made a significant acquisition with the addition of Alijah Martin, who joins the team from Florida Atlantic as a transfer. Standing at 6’2, Martin hails from Summit, Mississippi, and spent four seasons with the Owls before making the move to the Gators.
Although his freshman year at Florida Atlantic saw limited playing time, Martin quickly rose to prominence as a full-time starter in his sophomore season, solidifying his place in the team’s backcourt. Over the past three seasons, he consistently contributed, averaging over 13 points per game each year. Notably, his junior year saw him play a key role in Florida Atlantic’s impressive run, highlighted by a notable 29-point performance in a memorable Final Four loss to San Diego State.
While Martin’s shooting numbers dipped slightly in his final season with the Owls, his overall impact remained significant, evident in his averages of 13.1 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. Following the departure of head coach Dusty May from Florida Atlantic, Martin, like many others, opted to explore new opportunities.
Ultimately, Martin chose to stay within Florida, opting to spend his final year of eligibility with the Gators in the highly competitive SEC. His arrival fills a crucial gap left by outgoing transfer Riley Kugel, providing the team with a seasoned shooting presence. With additional transfers like Sam Alexis and Rueben Chinyelu also vying for roles, the exact dynamics of the Gators’ lineup for the upcoming season remain uncertain. However, one thing is clear: Todd Golden’s leadership, both on and off the court, combined with Martin’s veteran presence, promises to elevate the Gators’ performance next season.
