The green room, typically a haven for projected first-round picks, held a surprise this year, a testament to the seismic shift in fortunes for one particular Florida Gator. Just months ago, the idea of Alijah Martin gracing that exclusive space would have been met with skepticism. Now, after leading the Florida Gators to a thrilling National Championship, his draft stock has not just risen, it has skyrocketed, solidifying his NBA future in a way few could have predicted.

Martin, the dynamic 6-foot-2 guard from Summit, Mississippi, was the embodiment of the Gators’ unexpected championship run. His journey to this moment was already a captivating narrative, having transferred to Florida after a stellar career at Florida Atlantic, where he also led his team to a Final Four appearance in 2023. This dual Final Four experience, culminating in a national title, undoubtedly caught the eyes of NBA scouts, but it was his play on the grandest stage that truly transformed his draft outlook.

Before the NCAA Tournament, Martin was a fringe second-round prospect, perhaps even someone who would need to fight his way onto a G-League roster. Mock drafts, if they included him at all, placed him in the late second round, often with a disclaimer about his perceived lack of elite athleticism for his size. Yet, as March Madness unfolded, Martin blossomed. He averaged a career-high 14.4 points per game for the season, but his clutch performances in the tournament were what truly resonated. He hit the go-ahead free throws in the National Championship game with 46.5 seconds left, showcasing a steely resolve under immense pressure. His ability to impact games on both ends of the floor, his infectious energy, and his versatility as an all-around player became undeniable.

The scouts, often fixated on raw measurables and combine numbers, were forced to acknowledge the intangibles. Martin’s tenacity, his undeniable leadership, and his proven ability to perform in high-stakes situations became his most valuable assets. He demonstrated a relentless motor, a willingness to crash the boards despite his size, and a fiery competitiveness that elevated his teammates. These are the qualities that separate good college players from future NBA contributors, and Martin displayed them in spades.

His strong pre-draft process further cemented his climb. Workouts with multiple NBA teams, including the Utah Jazz who had already selected his Gators teammate Walter Clayton Jr. in the first round, allowed him to showcase his skills in a more intimate setting. Reports from these workouts highlighted his impressive 6’7.5” wingspan, which helps mitigate concerns about his height, and his defensive versatility. He demonstrated that he could guard multiple positions effectively, a crucial skill in today’s positionless NBA. His ability to get hot quickly and score in bunches, a trait he exhibited throughout the championship season, also impressed talent evaluators. While some still harbored concerns about his limited playmaking and a score-first mentality, his overall impact and winning pedigree overshadowed these reservations.

The fact that Florida had three players selected in the 2025 NBA Draft – Walter Clayton Jr. (18th overall to the Utah Jazz), Alijah Martin (39th overall to the Toronto Raptors), and Will Richard (56th overall to the Golden State Warriors) – for the first time since their back-to-back championships in 2007, speaks volumes about the program’s resurgence under coach Todd Golden. But for Martin, his rise was particularly dramatic. Clayton Jr. was always projected as a first-round talent, known for his dynamic scoring and improved decision-making. Richard, a foundational member of Golden’s first class, made significant strides in his senior year, especially in the championship game where he led the Gators with 18 points and 8 rebounds. Yet, Martin’s jump from a borderline draft pick to a green room invitee was the most striking.

His selection by the Toronto Raptors at pick 39 is a testament to his newfound respect within NBA circles. The Raptors, known for valuing tenacious defenders and versatile athletes, clearly saw a fit for Martin’s skillset. Joining fellow SEC product Collin Murray-Boyles, Martin will have an opportunity to contribute to a team that is looking to rebuild and could benefit greatly from his defensive prowess and winning mentality. Experts like ESPN’s Jeremy Woo noted that Martin’s tenacity and athletic ability would pair well with Toronto’s system, and that his defensive upside could even lead to a starting role down the line. At 23 years old, he brings a level of maturity and experience that many younger prospects lack, making him a more immediate plug-and-play option for an NBA roster.

The story of Alijah Martin’s draft stock soaring is a powerful reminder of the impact a national championship can have on individual prospects. While the NIL era has seen more players choose to remain in college, a deep tournament run, especially one that culminates in a title, remains an unparalleled platform for showcasing a player’s true value. It’s not just about raw statistics; it’s about performing under pressure, elevating your teammates, and displaying the leadership qualities that translate beyond the box score. Martin’s journey from a transfer seeking a new opportunity to a National Champion with a secured NBA future is a compelling narrative, one that will undoubtedly inspire countless aspiring collegiate athletes. His surprise appearance in the green room, surrounded by players who were considered surefire picks long before the season even began, was the ultimate validation of his hard work, dedication, and the indelible mark he left on college basketball.