If the energizer bunny played basketball, Alijah Martin would be him. This talented, versatile guard impacted the game in many ways during his collegiate career.
The defensive-oriented Martin was the spark plug that led Florida to its third National Championship this past season. With his ability to play larger than his size, he brings an unteachable grit and passion to the game that becomes infectious.
Alijah Martin Scouting Report
Size: 6’2″, 210 pounds
Key Stat: Ranked top 20 in both points, 14.4 per game, and steals, 1.5 per game, in the SEC during the 2024-25 season.
Projected Role: Two-way slasher whose athleticism will help his playmaking and lead ball handler development.
Strengths:
- Defense: Averaging a career 1.3 steals per game, Martin’s defensive prowess and ability to guard top defenders have set him apart as one of the top defensive players in this year’s draft.
- Intangibles: Plays bigger than his 6’2″ frame with the ability to clean up boards, dunk over defenders, and defend multiple front-court positions.
- Athleticism: An elite athlete who can jump out of the gym. He relies on quick-twitch movements when guarding defenders and getting to the bucket on offense. Expect a lot of lobs at the next level.
- Off and On-Ball Defense: Can impact the game without the ball in his hands. He has a knack for sticking to defenders off-ball, while using fast-twitch lateral movements to glue to his assignments on-ball.
- Strong Rebounder: Crashes the glass well, adding extra possessions through his vertical ability to jump over larger defenders.
- Slashing & Cutting Ability: Moves well without the ball and attacks the basket with the ability to be a consistent lob threat.
Areas to Improve:
- Playmaking: Despite his small frame, he doesn’t play like a lead guard. He lacks a good passing feel and ball-handling ability to lead an offense at the next level.
- Streaky Shooting: Averaging 34.6% from three and 76% from the line in five college seasons, his numbers don’t scream “consistent shooter”. He can sometimes catch fire, but his streakiness has led to numerous cold spells.
Ceiling: Valuable roll player who can make a significant impact off the bench both defensively with his athleticism, and offensively with his ability to catch fire at crucial moments.
Floor: Average to below-average bench player who lacks the playmaking and ball-handling ability needed for a size guard.
Player Comp: De’Anthony Melton, Josh Hart, Gary Payton Jr.
Alijah Martin NBA Draft Outlook
Alijah Martin possesses an unteachable athletic ability that has driven offensive players crazy throughout his collegiate career.
He’s a defensive pest, with a knack for shutting down top scorers. His intangibles are what any coach would want from their players. He plays larger than his size, 6’2″ suggests, bringing grit and an unrelenting toughness to the court.
On offense, he can catch fire at any given moment. However, he’s better in rhythm than off the ball as a shooter and has a tendency to prolonged cold streaks.
Prior to playing for and winning the National Championship with the Florida Gators in 2025, he spent four seasons with FAU. A career 12.5 points per game, his standout stat revolves around his defense, with a career 1.3 steals per game.
He can become a team’s defensive workhorse and offensive lob threat, with the ability to average high rebounds for a guard at the next level.
He’s expected to be—at the very most—a first-round pick; however, most scouts see him more as a sure second-rounder. The Grizzlies have shown interest in the Gator product.
Potential Career Outlook:
Teams picking in the Martins’ range should be contenders. He can immediately impact the defensive end while working to develop his shooting, ball handling, and playmaking ability.
The offense will come while he initially relies on his athleticism and ability as a lob threat and a hard-nosed slasher.
His early years should provide him with needed experience and expanded minutes if he improves his shooting. The minutes will come with his defensive prowess, but could be impacted by his streaky shooting.
I compared him to De’Anthony Melton because of his versatility, size, and strength. Standing 6’3″ while weighing 200 pounds, Melton, a second-round draft pick out of USC, has had a solid NBA career.
Through seven seasons, he’s averaged 10.3 points per game, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists while shooting 40.7% from the field.
Melton has made a name for himself on the defensive end while developing into a solid scorer who can catch fire off the bench.
It’s apparent that Martin needs to improve on the offensive end, particularly his shooting ability. While Florida defeated Houston 65-63 in the National Championship game in 2025, he only mustered 7 points in 34 minutes, shooting just 2-10 from the field.
KEEP READING: Kasparas Jakucionis Scouting Report: Can’t Miss Prospect in Loaded NBA Draft Class?
Bottom Line:
Due to his established defensive skills and natural athleticism, Martin should immediately impact the defensive side of the court.
There are questions. He can score in rhythm, but as more of a slasher, will his size impact him? Can he continue to be a lob threat at the next level? Can he develop a consistent set jump shot?
His intangibles should enable him to develop into a high-energy role player who can impact winning in multiple ways. He thrives in transition through his quickness and strength. Martin’s ability to move without the ball and find open spaces in defenses should help develop his offensive game.
However, his size, streaky shooting, and lack of a clear positional fit are concerning. At the next level, he’ll need to refine his playmaking and shooting while relying on his defensive intensity and athleticism.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and baseball!
