CUSA Basketball: Ranking of 25 best players from last decade (2013-23)

12. Alijah Martin

It’s been smooth sailing in recent months for Martin, who recently completed his third season at Florida Atlantic. A 6’2 guard from Summit, Mississippi, he joined Dusty May’s program in 2020 and has played a major role in their recent success, helping spearhead the Owls’ unforgettable run to the Final Four just three and a half months ago.

Martin was a bench piece with limited chances as a freshman, but secured a starting spot as a sophomore, averaging 13.9 points and hitting 40% of his 3-pointers for the Owls. Clearly, his junior season was the highlight. He actually didn’t start for much of the regular season but came on strong in the closing weeks, scoring 30 points in the CUSA title game win over UAB. A strength during the Owls’ deep run, Martin had 26 points and 7 rebounds in their buzzer-beating loss to San Diego State in the Final Four.

After earning Third Team All-CUSA honors as a sophomore, Martin’s potential was certainly realized in his third collegiate season. He earned First Team All-CUSA honors, was named CUSA Tournament MVP for that dominant performance, and helped key a very balanced and underrated Florida Atlantic squad to the Final Four. He’s been an efficient long-range shooter and an important part of this roster, plus he’ll be back for year four next season, hoping to replicate some of that success with the Owls.