Alijah Martin’s Journey to the NBA
In an intriguing twist in his journey to the NBA, Alijah Martin, a 6-foot-2 guard from Florida, discovered the importance of traveling paperwork when he was preparing for a workout with the Toronto Raptors this spring. The Florida native, a member of the NCAA championship-winning team, had hoped to impress the Raptors as he aimed for a future in professional basketball, but an oversight nearly derailed his plans.
Traveling Oversight
Initially, during his first scheduled workout, Martin forgot to bring his passport, which is essential for crossing the border into Canada. Reflecting on the experience, Martin recounted the moment he realized his mistake while at the airport.
“I thought I could just show a picture of my ID, but when I mentioned to the check-in attendant that I had forgotten my passport, she said, ‘Ooh, that’s a bad thing.'”
Fortunately, Martin swiftly arranged to rebook his flight and made it to Toronto in time for a later workout session.
Collegiate Success
Following his impressive collegiate career that included appearances in two Final Fours—one with Florida Atlantic in 2023 and another with Florida—he averaged an impressive 14.4 points last season. His standout performance helped the Gators achieve a remarkable 36-4 record and secure their third national championship title.
Realizing His Dream
With the 2025 NBA Draft now behind him, Martin was selected by the Raptors with the 39th overall pick Thursday night, finally realizing his dream of playing in the league. This time, he confirmed that he is fully prepared for his journey to Toronto, stating,
“The passport is already packed, just in case,”
and smiling in anticipation of what lies ahead.
As a new chapter opens in his basketball career, the Raptors’ choice highlights their confidence in Martin as he steps onto the professional stage.
