![When Alijah Martin took flight in Saturday's Final Four showdown between Florida and Auburn, time seemed to stand still. The senior guard soared over two defenders, delivering a posterizing dunk that sent social media into a frenzy and helped propel the Gators to a 79-73 victory. College Sports Network's Men's College Basketball Transfer Portal tracks the comings and goings of every athlete who has entered the transfer portal. Find out who's entered and where they're going now! The Dunk That Shook San Antonio “ALIJAH MARTIN JUST HAD THE DUNK OF THE SEASON MY GOD,” CBS Sports analyst Matt Norlander exclaimed on X, capturing the collective astonishment of basketball fans nationwide. The thunderous slam, which extended Florida's narrow lead in a neck-and-neck battle, instantly drew comparisons to one of the NBA's most explosive athletes. Martin's rim-rattling poster wasn’t just any highlight—it was a momentum-shifting statement in a high-stakes contest. After Florida’s Rueben Chinyelu forced an Auburn turnover, Martin took the ball coast to coast, launching himself over two helpless defenders with such force that he tumbled to the floor after the finish. OH MY GOODNESS ALIJAH MARTIN POSTER #MARCHMADNESS @GATORSMBK PIC.TWITTER.COM/JFYVSSAOT1 — NCAA MARCH MADNESS (@MARCHMADNESSMBB) APRIL 6, 2025 “Alijah Martin’s energy reminds me of peak Russell Westbrook. That dunk was pure fire,” NBA analyst Kevin O’Connor tweeted, cementing the comparison that would define the moment. The dunk came at a crucial juncture, stretching Florida’s precarious one-point lead to three with minutes remaining. Fan reactions poured in at a dizzying pace. “Sweet baby Jesus Alijah Martin, that man has a family,” wrote one X user. Another declared: “Alijah Martin breakaway DUNK THIS GAME.” Even the official NCAA March Madness account joined the chorus: “OH MY GOODNESS ALIJAH MARTIN POSTER #MarchMadness @GatorsMBK.” [adslot] From FAU to Final Four History Martin’s journey to this viral moment is as remarkable as the dunk itself. The Mississippi native made history as the first player in the modern recruiting era to reach the Final Four with two different programs—first with Florida Atlantic in 2023, and now with Florida. After transferring to join coach Todd Golden’s squad, Martin sought to compete in what he called “the strongest conference in America” and chase a national championship. That decision has paid dividends. He contributed 17 points in Florida’s semifinal victory, including two electrifying dunks that had fans comparing him to a former NBA MVP. The basketball world couldn’t contain its amazement. “Alijah Martin started that dunk from outer space,” marveled one X user, referring to a moment when he seemed to defy gravity. [adslot] The second dunk, which will likely feature in March Madness highlight reels for years to come, showcased Martin’s extraordinary athleticism and timing. “ALIJAH MARTIN YOU ARE CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF,” proclaimed Barstool Sports. ESPN Bet added, “GOODNESS GRACIOUS ALIJAH MARTIN!” College basketball analyst John Fanta provided context to the moment: “Alijah Martin’s dunk was a statement. Florida is playing with a purpose.” That purpose became clear as the Gators, clinging to a 64-63 lead with 2:27 remaining, pulled away late to secure their spot in the championship game. KEEP READING: Walter Clayton Jr. Makes History in Final Four Win Over Auburn With the victory, Florida advances to Monday’s national championship, where it will face either Duke or Houston. As the Gators pursue their third national title, Martin’s “Russell Westbrook energy” has become their emotional catalyst—a fitting role for a player who has transformed from transfer portal entrant to Final Four legend in a single season. Don’t miss a moment of March Madness! Download your 2025 NCAA Tournament printable bracket and stay on top of every game, matchup, and Cinderella story. Get yours now!](https://collegefootballnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/USATSI_25858300-1920x1432.jpg "NCAA Basketball: Final Four National Semifinal-Florida at Auburn")
When Alijah Martin took flight in Saturday’s Final Four showdown between Florida and Auburn, time seemed to stand still. The senior guard soared over two defenders, delivering a posterizing dunk that sent social media into a frenzy and helped propel the Gators to a 79-73 victory.
The Dunk That Shook San Antonio
“ALIJAH MARTIN JUST HAD THE DUNK OF THE SEASON MY GOD,” CBS Sports analyst Matt Norlander exclaimed on X, capturing the collective astonishment of basketball fans nationwide. The thunderous slam, which extended Florida’s narrow lead in a neck-and-neck battle, instantly drew comparisons to one of the NBA’s most explosive athletes.
Martin’s rim-rattling poster wasn’t just any highlight—it was a momentum-shifting statement in a high-stakes contest. After Florida’s Rueben Chinyelu forced an Auburn turnover, Martin took the ball coast to coast, launching himself over two helpless defenders with such force that he tumbled to the floor after the finish.
OH MY GOODNESS ALIJAH MARTIN POSTER 😱#MarchMadness @GatorsMBK pic.twitter.com/JFyVsSaOT1
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) April 6, 2025
“Alijah Martin’s energy reminds me of peak Russell Westbrook. That dunk was pure fire,” NBA analyst Kevin O’Connor tweeted, cementing the comparison that would define the moment. The dunk came at a crucial juncture, stretching Florida’s precarious one-point lead to three with minutes remaining.
Fan reactions poured in at a dizzying pace.
- “Sweet baby Jesus Alijah Martin, that man has a family,” wrote one X user.
- Another declared: “Alijah Martin breakaway DUNK 😤 THIS GAME.”
- Even the official NCAA March Madness account joined the chorus:
- “OH MY GOODNESS ALIJAH MARTIN POSTER 😳 #MarchMadness @GatorsMBK.”
From FAU to Final Four History
Martin’s journey to this viral moment is as remarkable as the dunk itself. The Mississippi native made history as the first player in the modern recruiting era to reach the Final Four with two different programs—first with Florida Atlantic in 2023, and now with Florida.
After transferring to join coach Todd Golden’s squad, Martin sought to compete in what he called “the strongest conference in America” and chase a national championship. That decision has paid dividends. He contributed 17 points in Florida’s semifinal victory, including two electrifying dunks that had fans comparing him to a former NBA MVP.
The basketball world couldn’t contain its amazement.
“Alijah Martin started that dunk from outer space,” marveled one X user, referring to a moment when he seemed to defy gravity.
The second dunk, which will likely feature in March Madness highlight reels for years to come, showcased Martin’s extraordinary athleticism and timing.
“ALIJAH MARTIN YOU ARE CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF,” proclaimed Barstool Sports.
ESPN Bet added, “GOODNESS GRACIOUS ALIJAH MARTIN!”
College basketball analyst John Fanta provided context to the moment: “Alijah Martin’s dunk was a statement. Florida is playing with a purpose.”
That purpose became clear as the Gators, clinging to a 64-63 lead with 2:27 remaining, pulled away late to secure their spot in the championship game.
KEEP READING: Walter Clayton Jr. Makes History in Final Four Win Over Auburn
With the victory, Florida advances to Monday’s national championship, where it will face either Duke or Houston. As the Gators pursue their third national title, Martin’s “Russell Westbrook energy” has become their emotional catalyst—a fitting role for a player who has transformed from transfer portal entrant to Final Four legend in a single season.
Don’t miss a moment of March Madness! Download your 2025 NCAA Tournament printable bracket and stay on top of every game, matchup, and Cinderella story. Get yours now!
