Florida Basketball: Gators get transfer Alijah Martin from Florida Atlantic
By Joey Loose
With hundreds of impactful players still in the Transfer Portal, there will be no shortage of news in the weeks ahead. Florida struck gold again in that regard this weekend, landing former Florida Atlantic guard Alijah Martin after four seasons with the Owls.
A 6’2 wing originally from Summit, Mississippi, Martin arrived at Florida Atlantic four seasons ago and didn’t get much run in his freshman season. He became a full-time starter as a sophomore, settling into a prominent role in the Owls’ backcourt that would last these last three seasons.
Martin averaged at least 13 points per game in each of those seasons, with some of his best work in that sophomore season. As a junior, he helped lead Florida Atlantic to that legendary season, including a 29-point performance in their heartbreaking Final Four loss to San Diego State.
A capable scorer and shooter, Martin’s numbers were slightly down this season, but he still averaged 13.1 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, though his 34% mark from long-range was the worst of his career. Regardless, Martin’s impact was certainly felt for the Owls, who returned to the Big Dance this season.
After head coach Dusty May left Florida Atlantic, a mass exodus of players soon followed and Martin was among that number. One of the team’s most impactful players during their best run in program history, Martin had no shortage of potential suitors but won’t be moving far from Boca Raton.
On Sunday he announced that he was heading to Florida, opting to spend his final year of eligibility with the Gators in the SEC. Martin becomes a major weapon for the Gators next season and immediately helps fill the role of outgoing transfer Riley Kugel in the backcourt.
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We don’t know exactly how things will break down for the Gators next season, especially with other transfers like Sam Alexis and Rueben Chinyelu finding roles as well. What we do know is that Todd Golden has shown his prowess on and off the court and that Martin elevates the Gators with a veteran shooting presence next season.