Alijah Martin Making His Mark: Former Gator Turning Heads in Rookie Season with Raptors
Alijah Martin’s NBA journey is off to a fast start - and he’s not just along for the ride. The former Florida guard is showing early signs that he belongs, making a name for himself with the Toronto Raptors in his rookie season and earning a spot in the NBA’s Rising Stars mini-tournament during All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles.
At 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds, Martin brings a physicality and energy that jumps off the screen. Selected in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft, he signed a two-way deal with the Raptors out of training camp and has been making the most of every opportunity - whether it’s in the G League or with the big club.
With Raptors 905, Toronto’s G League affiliate, Martin has been a force. He’s averaging 18.7 points across 21 games, including a 30-point explosion that showed off his scoring versatility. His numbers aren’t just empty stats either - Martin’s consistently delivered as a go-to option, and that earned him a well-deserved nod to the Rising Stars event, where he’ll team up with other standout G League talents.
But Martin’s impact hasn’t been limited to the G League. He’s now appeared in 10 games with the Raptors, and while his overall averages - 3.0 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 0.8 assists - don’t leap off the page, the flashes are real.
Look no further than his performance against the 76ers earlier this month: 9 points, 8 rebounds, 4 steals, 2 blocks - all in nearly 30 minutes of high-energy basketball. That’s the kind of all-around effort that coaches love and teammates feed off.
“Honestly, just trying to make an impact,” Martin said after that game. “Coming off the bench, knowing these guys need some help.
We’re down a couple bodies. I’m just trying to be a positive light.”
That “positive light” helped Florida secure its third national title just last season. Martin, a grad transfer from Florida Atlantic, averaged 14.4 points and 4.5 rebounds for the Gators in 2024-25, and he delivered when it mattered most - knocking down two clutch free throws in the final minute of a 65-63 win over Houston in the national championship game.
“The fact that in a short period of time, he’s put himself in a position to play in that game, it’s just not that surprising,” Florida head coach Todd Golden said. “He was a great competitor for us last year, and I think that’s a big part of who he is.”
Martin’s not the only former Gator making noise in the league this season. Here’s how some of his fellow Florida alumni are faring:
Walter Clayton Jr. - Guard, Utah Jazz
Clayton has carved out a steady role for himself in Utah’s rotation. In 43 appearances, he’s averaging 6.9 points, 3.3 assists, and 2.0 rebounds per game while shooting 40.6% from the field and a scorching 95.0% from the free-throw line.
His best outing came against the defending champs, Oklahoma City, on Dec. 7, when he dropped 20 points and dished out 9 assists in 29 minutes. That kind of performance against elite competition shows Clayton’s potential as a playmaker and scorer.
Will Richard - Guard, Golden State Warriors
Richard has been a spark plug for Golden State, contributing 7.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.3 steals per game in 44 appearances, including 15 starts. He’s shooting nearly 48% from the field and over 35% from deep - efficient numbers for a young guard finding his rhythm in a veteran-laden system.
His breakout game came on Nov. 5 against Sacramento, when he poured in 30 points on 10-of-15 shooting, including 5-of-8 from three. That night, Richard looked every bit the part of a rotation-caliber scorer.
Tre Mann - Guard, Charlotte Hornets
Mann continues to be a steady contributor in Charlotte, averaging 7.5 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists through 30 games. He’s had a pair of 20-point performances this season, including a recent effort against Utah where he added a steal and assist to his 20 points.
His shooting percentages - 37.4% from the field and 32.8% from three - leave room for growth, but the flashes of scoring ability are still there.
Dorian Finney-Smith - Forward, Houston Rockets
Finney-Smith’s season started late due to an ankle injury that kept him sidelined until Christmas Day. Since returning, he’s played in 15 games off the bench for the Rockets, averaging 2.9 points and 2.6 rebounds.
He had his best showing on Jan. 18 against New Orleans, scoring 8 points off the bench. While still working his way back to full strength, Finney-Smith brings veteran savvy and defensive toughness to Houston’s second unit.
Bradley Beal - Guard, Los Angeles Clippers
Beal’s season was cut short after just six games due to a fractured hip suffered on Nov. 8 against Phoenix. He was averaging 8.2 points and 1.7 assists before the injury. The 32-year-old underwent surgery and is expected to return for the 2026-27 campaign.
It’s a tough break for a proven scorer, but Beal’s track record suggests he’ll bounce back strong.
Al Horford - Forward, Golden State Warriors
At 39 years old, Horford is still doing what he does best - providing leadership, versatility, and smart basketball. In his 19th season, he’s averaging 7.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists across 28 games (three starts).
His best game came on Christmas Day against Dallas, when he scored 14 points in just 11 minutes. Horford continues to be a valuable piece for a Warriors team that leans on his experience and floor spacing.
From rising rookies like Alijah Martin to seasoned vets like Horford and Beal, the Gators are well-represented across the NBA. And if Martin’s early trajectory is any indication, Florida fans might be watching another long, successful pro career take shape.