Florida Star Sends Parting Message After National Championship Run
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Just three and a half weeks ago, the Florida Gators captured their third national championship with a win over the Houston Cougars. A big part of their title run was guard Alijah Martin, who averaged 14.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game.
It was a major turnaround for a team that struggled mightily on defense just a year earlier. According to KenPom, Florida ranked 12th in offensive efficiency but 94th in defensive efficiency during the 2023-24 season.
Head coach Todd Golden made it a priority to address that weakness heading into 2024-25, and the addition of Martin, who transferred from Florida Atlantic, proved to do wonders for the 39-year-old coach.
With Martin’s leadership and impact on the defensive end, the Gators shot up to second in the nation in defensive efficiency and finished the season as national champions.
After five years at the college basketball level, Martin has moved on and is now preparing for the 2025 NBA Draft. On Thursday, he took to social media to express his gratitude to Florida fans.
"Thank You Gator Nation 🫶🏽🐊," the 6-foot-2 guard wrote.
Thank You Gator Nation🫶🏽🐊 pic.twitter.com/BAVQTdRjxY— alijah.martin (@martin_alijah) May 1, 2025
Despite Martin's small size as an off-ball guard, he is still viewed as a late second-round pick. He uses his strength to his advantage and, as previously highlighted, prides himself on the defensive end.
In a recent episode of "The OGs" podcast, Martin shared a few NBA players he compares himself to.
"I'd say my comparison, I'd say early in the league, probably like Davion Mitchell," Martin said. "Towards the breaking point, Lu Dort, and then when I’m at my peak, probably, like, Jrue Holiday. But then I also have an offensive game like Donovan Mitchell or Damian Lillard that I can get to for real."
Related: Florida Reveals Availability Plan For 7-Foot-9 College Basketball Player
