In San Antonio, Alijah Martin recounts his first Final Four memories at Florida Atlantic with a hint of sadness due to the disappointing loss they faced. Now, as a graduate transfer playing his only season with Florida, Martin seizes the opportunity to compete in the national championship game, showcasing a strong presence for the Gators during this Final Four.
“This is significant for me,” Martin expressed on Sunday. “I hadn’t achieved winning a semifinal game in an NCAA Tournament before. It’s a kind of redemption for how things ended with the FAU team.”
During Florida’s thrilling 79-73 victory in the national semifinal over Auburn, a top seed and conference rival, the game was deadlocked halfway through the second half. It was then that Martin intercepted a loose ball from the All-American Johni Broome, turning it into a dynamic one-handed dunk that shifted the game’s momentum.
He also executed a second breakaway dunk surrounded by defenders, contributing 17 points overall. “His momentum-changing plays really help us,” noted Alex Condon from Australia.
“Initially, I thought he might pass it,” said Gator guard Will Richard about the second dunk. “But as soon as I saw him gearing up, I made way. We’ve awaited such a dunk all year, so it was thrilling to see him deliver on the Final Four stage.”
The Gators have reached their first NCAA title game since their consecutive championships in 2006 and 2007, facing Big 12 champion Houston come Monday night.
Martin’s journey began with four years at FAU, where he was pivotal during their 2023 Final Four run. Despite leading by 14 points against San Diego State, a buzzer-beater by Lamont Butler cost them the game 72-71, with Martin tallying 26 points and seven rebounds.
Upon entering the transfer portal following Dusty May’s departure to Michigan, Martin sought a place where he felt esteemed and integral.
Staying in Florida, the 6-foot-2 guard made an immediate impact on a Gators team eager to rebound from a first-round NCAA exit.
“He’s transformed our team’s competitiveness,” stated Richard. “His mentality from day one elevated our ambition to win.”
Condon recalls Martin’s early motivational words last summer. “He was saying we needed to understand what it truly takes to get to the Final Four and succeed in March,” Condon shared. “At first, it was a jolt for us, but soon we trusted his insight.”
Approaching his 38th game with the Gators and 162nd in his college career, Martin averages 14.6 points, ranking just behind Walter Clayton Jr. on the team, alongside 4.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game.
“Everyone here contributes significantly,” Martin stated, recognizing his role to elevate standards and expectations. “I knew what impact I would have.”
The ultimate honor lies in clinching the national title.