Image credit: FAU Athletics
Florida Gators head basketball coach Todd Golden’s efforts on the recruiting trail continued to pay off Sunday with a third commitment out of the transfer portal. FAU guard Alijah Martin told ESPN he decided to play his college season in Florida thanks to offers from Alabama, Arkansas, Michigan, Ole Miss and USC.
Martin averaged 13.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.4 steals per game over three seasons as a starter, and he was a key member of the Owls’ 2023 Final Four run. during which he was FAU’s MVP in several NCAA tournaments. Games. His shooting averages dipped a bit last season, although Martin shot 36.9 percent from beyond the arc in his career.
Among the reasons Martin, a four-star transfer ranked No. 107 by 247Sports, chose the Gators for his final college season?
“I wanted to stay in the South and play in the SEC, the strongest conference in America,” he told ESPN. “I wanted the chance to be a primary ball handler and compete for a national title at a program known for NBA talent and developing players for the next level.”
The departure of Zyon Pullin left a hole at Florida’s point guard. Starting guards Walter Clayton Jr. and Will Richard who both entered their names in the 2024 NBA Draft are raising concerns that the Gators might need scoring help in the backcourt, although both have the opportunity to return and are expected to play next season at UF. It certainly remains to be seen whether Martin will actually serve as the starting general.
Chattanooga forward Sam Alexis and Washington State four-star center Rueben Chinyelu join Martin as members of the Gators’ incoming transfer class. As with any transfer, it’s unclear how well the trio will acclimate to a new university and program. However, Golden’s track record when it comes to transfers – especially last season – is immense.
Although they are not direct replacements, Chinyelu and Alexis will be part of the effort to make up for the loss of Tyrese Samuel, a high-profile starter for the Gators who, like Pullin, is no longer eligible after the 2023 season- 24. Starting center Micah Handlogten, who will be a junior next season, is expected to be questionable to start the season after suffering a serious leg injury during the 2024 SEC tournament. Chinyelu and Alexis will also replace him to start the campaign.