Former Gator Alijah Martin Shines in NBA Rising Stars Game
Former Florida Gators guard Alijah Martin made a splash at the NBA Rising Stars tournament, leading Team Austin with 10 minutes of playtime. The tournament, a showcase of rising talent, featured four teams coached by basketball legends Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady, and Austin Rivers. Team Austin, a formidable force, boasted a lineup that included Yang Hansen, Ron Harper Jr., Tristen Newton, and Martin himself.
The tournament's unique format pitted Team Austin against Team Melo and Team Vince against Team T-Mac, with the winners advancing to the championship. Despite a 40-34 loss to Team Melo, Martin's performance stood out. He drained two 3-pointers, grabbed four rebounds, and dished out three assists, showcasing his versatility and impact on the court. His box plus-minus rating of three was a standout achievement, making him the only Team Austin player to post a positive mark.
Martin's influence extended beyond the tournament. He was selected to represent Toronto in the 2026 G League Next Up game, where he hit a 3-pointer and secured two rebounds. For the Raptors 905, Martin is a scoring machine, averaging 18.6 points per game with 49% shooting, making him the team's second-leading scorer. However, in the NBA, the 24-year-old guard's opportunities have been limited, averaging just 2.6 points in 13 games.
Martin's NBA journey has seen some highlights, including back-to-back games on January 9th and 11th, where he scored 7 points and 3 assists against Boston, and 11 points and 8 rebounds against Philadelphia. More recently, he played against Indiana and Detroit, contributing two points in four minutes each game. The Raptors' next game is set for Thursday against the Bulls at 8 p.m., with Martin looking to continue his impressive form.
Martin's story is a testament to the potential of former Gators in the NBA. His performance in the Rising Stars game and subsequent selections showcase his talent and impact. As he continues to develop, Martin's future in the league looks bright, leaving fans eager to see his continued growth and success.
