Florida Gators Star Alijah Martin Selected 39th Overall by Toronto Raptors in 2025 NBA Draft, Bringing Toughness and Versatility North

The journey from Gainesville to the NBA has officially begun for Alijah Martin, as the Florida Gators standout heard his name called with the 39th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft by the Toronto Raptors. It’s a testament to his perseverance, grit, and undeniable two-way impact that Martin’s name is now etched into the professional ranks after a strong collegiate career marked by growth, defensive intensity, and clutch moments.

For Martin, the path to the NBA wasn’t built on flash or viral highlights. Instead, it was rooted in work ethic, steady development, and carving out a reputation as one of the most dependable and fierce competitors in college basketball. Now, as he prepares to trade Florida orange and blue for Toronto’s red and black, Raptors fans have every reason to be excited about the high-motor, defense-first wing entering their rebuild.

The Raptors, firmly in a transitional phase following the departure of several key veterans over the past few seasons, have been actively stockpiling young, versatile talent capable of contributing on both ends of the floor. Martin fits that mold perfectly. At 6-foot-4 with a sturdy frame, impressive wingspan, and a tenacious approach to defense, Martin drew comparisons to the likes of Bruce Brown and Gary Payton II throughout the pre-draft process — high-energy role players known for making winning plays beyond the box score.

His selection at No. 39 wasn’t entirely surprising to scouts closely monitoring his progress over the past two seasons in Gainesville. While Martin may not have been projected as a surefire first-round pick, his name consistently appeared on draft boards as a second-round gem — someone whose defensive instincts, switchability, and relentless motor could translate effectively to the next level.

For the Raptors’ front office, led by General Manager Bobby Webster and backed by Head Coach Darko Rajaković’s developmental mindset, Martin represents both immediate depth and long-term upside. His ability to guard multiple positions on the perimeter, combined with steady offensive improvement during his collegiate career, suggests he could carve out a rotational role sooner rather than later, especially on a Raptors squad emphasizing youth, defense, and positional versatility.

Martin’s climb to NBA relevancy began humbly. Originally flying under the radar as a recruit, he committed to the Florida Gators with the reputation of being a tough, coachable guard willing to embrace the dirty work — diving for loose balls, locking down opposing scorers, and setting the tone with energy plays. Over time, his offensive skill set blossomed, showcasing improved shot-making, better decision-making off the dribble, and the kind of basketball IQ that NBA coaches covet in glue guys.

During his final season with the Gators, Martin averaged 11.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.4 steals per game — solid numbers that don’t fully encapsulate his on-court value. His impact often transcended statistics, whether it was hounding elite scorers into inefficient shooting nights, making timely hustle plays, or providing crucial leadership in high-pressure moments. It was that consistent, team-first approach that earned him praise from Florida Head Coach Todd Golden and ultimately impressed NBA scouts.

“He’s the type of player every team needs,” Golden remarked following Florida’s NCAA Tournament run earlier this year. “Alijah brings toughness, accountability, and plays with heart every possession. He’s earned everything coming his way.”

Toronto’s selection of Martin also aligns with the franchise’s recent draft philosophy: targeting high-character, defensively versatile prospects capable of thriving in a team-oriented, development-driven system. In recent years, the Raptors have leaned heavily into player development success stories — think Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby, and more recently, Gradey Dick — hoping to uncover undervalued talents and mold them into impactful contributors.

While Martin’s immediate offensive role with the Raptors remains to be seen, his defensive prowess provides a clear pathway to early minutes. His lateral quickness, strong base, and disciplined closeouts make him an ideal candidate to take on challenging defensive assignments, especially in bench units where energy and defensive intensity are paramount.

Toronto’s coaching staff has also expressed excitement about Martin’s growing offensive repertoire. Though not yet considered an elite shooter, he made notable strides in three-point efficiency and mid-range creation during his time at Florida. His mechanics have steadily improved, and with NBA-level coaching resources at his disposal, there’s optimism he could evolve into a respectable spot-up threat capable of spacing the floor.

In pre-draft workouts, Martin showcased improved consistency from deep, along with his ability to attack closeouts, finish through contact, and make smart decisions within the flow of an offense. Combine that with his defensive pedigree, and it’s easy to see why Toronto viewed him as a value pick in the early second round.

Beyond the X’s and O’s, Martin brings an intangible edge that resonates with fans and teammates alike. His reputation as a hard-nosed competitor, unafraid of physical play or big moments, mirrors the culture Toronto has sought to instill since their 2019 championship run. Though that title feels like a distant memory amid recent roster turnover and rebuilding efforts, adding players like Martin signals the Raptors’ commitment to rekindling their defensive identity.

For Martin personally, draft night represented more than just a professional milestone — it marked the realization of a lifelong dream forged through adversity, sacrifice, and relentless pursuit of improvement. In post-draft interviews, an emotional Martin reflected on the journey that led him to the NBA stage.

“Nothing was ever handed to me,” he shared. “I’ve always been the underdog, always had to fight for everything — minutes, respect, opportunities. But that’s what made me who I am. I’m ready to bring that same hunger to Toronto.”

That underdog spirit could endear Martin to Raptors fans quickly. In a market known for its passionate, basketball-savvy supporters, players who hustle, defend, and embody grit often become fan favorites, regardless of draft pedigree or offensive stats.

As Toronto continues reshaping its roster around young cornerstones like Scottie Barnes and Gradey Dick, Martin provides complementary depth with the potential to become a reliable rotational piece. His two-way versatility, competitive drive, and willingness to embrace a role-driven approach align with the developmental blueprint the Raptors are banking on.

It won’t be an overnight transition. Like many second-round picks, Martin will need to navigate the rigors of summer league, training camp battles, and the adjustment to NBA speed and physicality. But those familiar with his work ethic believe he’s uniquely wired to embrace the challenge.

“He’s built for this,” one NBA scout remarked. “Maybe he doesn’t put up flashy numbers right away, but he’s going to defend, compete, and earn his spot. Those types of guys stick around in this league.”

Indeed, Alijah Martin’s arrival in Toronto isn’t just another draft selection — it represents the convergence of hard work, opportunity, and the Raptors’ ongoing commitment to building through smart, tough, versatile pieces. For a player who’s never shied away from proving himself, the next chapter begins with a familiar mindset: work harder, defend with pride, and let the results speak for themselves.

The Florida Gators faithful will undoubtedly be watching closely as one of their own embarks on this next step, while Raptors fans can look forward to seeing Martin’s competitive fire light up Scotiabank Arena in the seasons to come. From Gainesville to Toronto, the grind continues — and for Alijah Martin, the journey is only getting started.