SAN ANTONIO – In April 2023, Alijah Martin’s stunning magic carpet ride came to an abrupt halt.
As an eight seed, Martin and Florida Atlantic went all the way to the Final Four in Houston. There, though, they suffered a heartbreaking, buzzer beating shot courtesy of Lamont Butler and San Diego State.
For most college players, that shot at glory would be their last.
Two years later and 200 miles west, Martin is back at the Final Four. This week, he’s offered Florida basketball a unique and needed insight into playing on the sport’s biggest stage. In the process, he’s hoping to gain some vengeance and win it all in his fifth season of college basketball.
A presentation gets the ball rolling
Last season was far from an easy one in Boca Raton. The Owls struggled at times under the weight of the expectations set a year prior. Their egos and pride grew bigger. The target on their back larger.
“We fought man because that’s human nature. Things that you got to fight,” Martin said. “It definitely built us for the ongoing years and how to deal with success.”
After a first-round loss, coach Dusty May departed for Michigan, and it became open season on the Owls top players. Martin entered the transfer portal, and when Florida made its pitch, it came with a PowerPoint presentation, which Martin liked.
“I'm a big visual guy, and if I could see the potential, I'm all about it,” Martin said. “I knew my impact, and I knew what I could bring to this team, and I just trusted Golden.”
An immediate chemistry
Immediately, Martin clicked with his new guards Walter Clayton Jr. and Will Richard. The three hold massive experience, but at four different schools.
Martin said he played with Richard and Clayton when he stepped onto campus and felt each other out.
“Ever since then, we've been going out to eat together, hanging out at each other like we always been around each other,” Martin said.
Richard said their connection was helped by a shared goal: To win.
Fellow guard Denzel Aberdeen said Martin’s reminded the team of that mission throughout the season, especially during the dog days of January and February.
“His vocal aspect, his dog mentality. He pushes each day in practice. He's never had a day ...
