logo
Former Gator Alijah Martin among college hoops coaches' 2025 NBA draft sleepers

Former Gator Alijah Martin among college hoops coaches' 2025 NBA draft sleepers

USA Today23-06-2025
The 2025 NBA draft is just a few days away, and while the Gator Nation feels confident that at least one of the members of this season's men's basketball national championship team — guard Walter Clayton Jr. — will be among those selected, there is another who lurks in the shadows who should be selected as well.
Florida's guard Alijah Martin, who transferred to UF from the Florida Atlantic Owls during the previous offseason, is the other former member of the program expected to be picked at the end of this week after Rueben Chinyelu and Alex Condon decided to return to school. There is also fellow backcourt swingman Will Richard who is hoping to hear his name called, but Martin appears to be a better bet.
Well, at least according to a handful of college basketball coaches surveyed by The Athletic's CJ Moore, who suggested that the title-winning Gators guard could go at No. 43 in the draft. However, the overall outlook for Martin is not terribly optimistic.
Florida guard Alijah Martin (No. 43)
"He's going to be a G-League guy. He's a 6-2 small forward, and I just don't think that really translates in the NBA," Moore offers. "The one thing that could be said about him is that he's a winner. He's been to two Final Fours, won a national championship, and so he impacts winning on both ends of the floor."
Alijah Martin's 2024-25 campaign highlights
Martin was a key member of Florida's roster during his lone season in Gainesville, averaging a career-high 14.4 points per game along with 4.5 rebounds, 82 assists and 79 3-point field goals. He started 36 of his 38 appearances with the Orange and Blue, and his 546 points rank 17th in Florida history in a single season and the third-most by a transfer.
His efforts helped him become the first player to start in a Final Four for two different teams.
Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

LeBron James reportedly hasn't had buyout or trade talks with Lakers, is expected to report to training camp
LeBron James reportedly hasn't had buyout or trade talks with Lakers, is expected to report to training camp

Yahoo

time10 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

LeBron James reportedly hasn't had buyout or trade talks with Lakers, is expected to report to training camp

Despite plenty of speculation about his future, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James appears content with his current situation. James reportedly hasn't spoken to the Lakers about a buyout or trade, and is expected to report to training camp with the team, according to The Athletic. That should presumably end rumors suggesting James could leave the franchise ahead of his 23rd season in the NBA. Advertisement James' status with the team has come into question despite the 40-year-old opting into his $52.6 million contract with the Lakers in June. James did not demand a one-year extension on his contract, which he's done in the past, leading some to wonder whether he was still happy in Los Angeles. The Lakers reportedly didn't offer James an extension either, leading some to wonder if the team was looking ahead to a time without James. James' agent Rich Paul also got people talking after he made comments about the Lakers trying to contend while also building for the future, per The Athletic. 'LeBron knows the Lakers are building for the future, and he also wants to compete for championships. We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future. We do want to evaluate what's best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career." Despite all the speculation, there's been no indication James is trying to force his way out of the Lakers just yet. He and Dončić alone are enough to make the team a contender, which should satisfy James' need to compete for a championship as his career winds down. But the Lakers also need to plan for life without James. While the future Hall of Famer continues to play at a high level, he doesn't have many years left in the NBA. Even if the Lakers want to keep him around, the team can't really plan to have James for the long haul given his age. Advertisement Given that, the team has prioritizing building around the 26-year-old Dončić, who it acquired in February in one of the most shocking NBA trades of all time. Dončić is likely to sign a massive extension with the Lakers at some point this offseason, guaranteeing he'll remain with the team for multiple seasons. James can't make that same promise. While the transition to Dončić has fueled some of the rumors about James' status, that speculation isn't based on anything James has said or done. Those rumors appear to be the result of people wondering how James will handle not being the focal point of a franchise. Advertisement Until James gives some indication he's unhappy, there's no reason to suspect things will change in Los Angeles. James opted in and is a member of the Lakers for the 2025-26 NBA season. Despite the rumors, it appears it's going to be business as usual for the veteran as he enters his 23rd season in the league.

Shaq Steps to RG3 Over Angel Reese: 'I'll Punch You In Your F-king Face'
Shaq Steps to RG3 Over Angel Reese: 'I'll Punch You In Your F-king Face'

Black America Web

time22 minutes ago

  • Black America Web

Shaq Steps to RG3 Over Angel Reese: 'I'll Punch You In Your F-king Face'

Source: Chris Saucedo / Getty Shaquille O'Neal has stepped in to defend Angel Reese—again. The NBA legend issued a sharp warning to Robert Griffin III (RG3) after the former NFL quarterback responded to a racist meme featuring Reese and made controversial claims about her character. Shaq, who has mentored Reese since her LSU days and recently signed her to Reebok, had enough. He said on Bailey Jackson's Off The Record podcast: 'Tweet another monkey post about my girl Angel Reese and I'm going to punch you in your f—ing face.' The blunt message immediately sparked debate across social media. Reese has long faced online hate, especially since her high-profile rivalry with Caitlin Clark became national news. Critics have attacked her style, her confidence, and even her body language—often with racial undertones. Supporters argue she's treated unfairly compared to Clark and other non-Black athletes. RG3 claimed he posted about the meme to condemn it, but many saw it as amplifying a harmful message. Reese responded directly, saying, 'Lying on this app when everybody know the first and last name of everybody in my circle for clout is nastyyyy work.' She also denies claims that she 'hates' Caitlin Clark or divides women's basketball. Shaq's defense continued on his podcast, where he reminded listeners that he's personally mentored Reese and respects her journey. He also stated that only basketball voices—like Lisa Leslie—should lead conversations about the women's game. Now, fans are weighing in across X, Instagram, and TikTok as the story continues to develop. Let's take a look at some of the social media reactions that are keeping this story front and center. Shaq Steps to RG3 Over Angel Reese: 'I'll Punch You In Your F-king Face' was originally published on

Sporting Jax to host Super League kickoff party ahead of inaugural season
Sporting Jax to host Super League kickoff party ahead of inaugural season

Yahoo

time39 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Sporting Jax to host Super League kickoff party ahead of inaugural season

Sporting JAX is celebrating its first season with a free kickoff party at James Weldon Johnson Park. The event is set for Friday, July 25, from 5 to 8 p.m. and is open to the public. Fans can meet the team, grab autographs, enjoy live music, games, food, and giveaways. Advertisement Read: Florida AG threatens to sue swimming group over gender-participation policy The party is presented by Gainbridge and marks the start of Jacksonville's new pro women's soccer era. Sporting JAX plays its first preseason match on August 2 at UNF against Hibernian FC Women. A second match is set for August 10 against Wrexham AFC Women. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< The home opener is August 23 against DC Power FC. For more information, visit [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store