With the 39th pick (No. 9 in the second round) in the 2025 NBA draft, the Toronto Raptors selected University of Florida guard, Alijah Martin, becoming the second Florida Gator to be drafted in this year’s draft, and the second guard as well, joining Walter Clayton Jr. who was drafted on night one.
Martin, listed at 6’2” and 208lbs, is a strong, explosive wing. He has both great shot-making and defensive versatility.
He played in 39 games for the Gators in 2024-25 (started 37) in his fifth year of eligibility as a graduate student transfer from Florida Atlantic University. He made 196 field goals, 81 3-point shots, and 91 free throws. Using his height, he had 49 offensive rebounds, 125 defensive rebounds, along with 7 blocks, 57 steals, and 564 points.
His 14.4 points per game average was a career-high and helped lead Florida to its 2025 National Championship.
Alijah Martin drafted to the Toronto Raptors at No. 39
Making the Final Four in 2025, he became the first player to start a Final Four for two different teams, having also been to the Final Four in 2023 with Florida Atlantic.
Martin is known as a player who can make a significant impact with his athleticism and strength, especially on the defensive side of the court. He’s a high-energy player with grit, toughness, and the ability to wreak havoc defensively.
Martin’s favorite quote is “Find a way or find an excuse.” He is known for living up to that quote in the way that he plays to win. He plays hard on both ends of the floor and will do whatever is needed to try to help his team.
National Champion @martin_alijah to you 🔥😈 pic.twitter.com/fXQoGuzgUK
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) June 27, 2025
Martin found a way to help his team win a national championship in 2025, now he has now found his way to the next level after being selected at No. 39 overall in the NBA draft to Toronto.
It is likely the Raptors will use Martin primarily off the bench in his rookie season, but scouts do predict he will make a positive impact on the paint in his first NBA season.