
🏀 BLOCKBUSTER MOVE: Toronto Raptors Supercharge Lineup with Draft Pick Alijah Martin, National Champion from Florida – A Potential Game-Changer for Roster Depth, Defense & G-League Development
TORONTO (June 26, 2025) — The Toronto Raptors made a savvy and eye-catching move in the 2025 NBA Draft by selecting Alijah Martin, a gritty, defense-first guard and 2025 NCAA champion with Florida, with the 39th overall pick in Round 2. Martin, a standout in multiple major college programs, was celebrated as one of the draft’s most underrated players—but Raptors scouts clearly believe the best is yet to come.
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🧭 From National Champion to NBA Prospect
Collegiate journey: Martin began his career at Florida Atlantic University, where he helped lead the Owls to their first-ever Final Four in 2023. As a senior at FAU, he earned All-C-USA and All-AAC honors. He transferred to the Florida Gators for the 2024–25 season and averaged 14.4 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 2.2 APG, and 1.5 SPG en route to an NCAA title .
Skillset & physical profile: Listed at 6′2″ and 210 pounds, Martin compensates for his modest height with a remarkable 6′7½″ wingspan, elite defensive instincts, hustle, and power off the dribble .
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🛡️ Raptors’ Strategy: Defense, Grit & Winning DNA
Defensive cornerstone: Raptors’ assistant GM Dan Tolzman and other executives praised Martin’s relentless defensive approach and insider qualities—traits typical of successful second-round selections .
Proven winner: Raptors’ own scouts highlighted Martin’s winning pedigree, labeling him “cut from the same cloth” as previous Raptors picks like Jamal Shead, emphasizing his gritty mentality .
Rising draft stock: While many mock drafts slotted him later, Toronto’s scouts rated Martin in the late first-round to early second-round range—His commanding summer workouts are believed to have solidified their resolve .
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💬 What the Experts Are Saying
SI analysis calls him “a proven winner” with positional versatility and room to grow offensively, especially as a shooter or combo guard .
Raptors Rapture expert Amos Mina sees Martin as a character-first player who fits Toronto’s defensive and team-oriented model, ideal for second-round development .
Sportsnet’s Michael Grange lauded Martin’s addition as another defensive piece in Toronto’s rebuild project, signaling the front office’s evolving draft philosophy .
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🔭 What’s Next: G‑League or Role Rotation?
Raptors 905 path: With a crowded backcourt that includes Immanuel Quickley, Jamal Shead, and Ja’Kobe Walter, Martin will likely begin his pro journey in the G-League, honing his offensive game in Summer League and training camp .
Immediate value: If Martin can lock in his 35% three-point shooting and maintain elite defense, he could carve out a rotational role sooner than expected .
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📝 Final Take: A Smart Gamble with Upside
Toronto’s choice of Alijah Martin reflects a deliberate shift: prioritizing character, defensive tenacity, and winning temperament. His journey from mid-major underdog to national champion, and now to a potential professional key piece, embodies the Raptors’ development-first ethos.
While it’s too soon to forecast superstardom, Martin’s work ethic and traits make him a fitting fit—and potentially a fan favorite in Toronto. This pick may not make headlines today, but watch closely—the quietest moves can sometimes have the biggest long-term impact.
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