Rising star Alijah Martin among former Florida basketball players making NBA impact

A handful of ex-Gators are playing well in the NBA this season, including rookie Alijah Martin with the Toronto Raptors.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 2:15pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Former Florida basketball guard Alijah Martin is off to a promising start in his rookie NBA season with the Toronto Raptors. Martin was recently named to the NBA's Rising Stars mini-tournament as part of All-Star Weekend. Several other ex-Gators are also making an impact in the NBA this season, including Walter Clayton Jr. with the Utah Jazz, Will Richard with the Golden State Warriors, and Tre Mann with the Charlotte Hornets.

Why it matters

The success of these former Florida players in the NBA showcases the talent and development pipeline of the Gators' basketball program. It also highlights the continued growth of the NBA's global reach, with players from diverse college backgrounds making an impact at the professional level.

The details

Martin, a second-round pick of the Raptors in 2025, has averaged 18.7 points per game in 21 G League appearances with Raptors 905. He's also appeared in 10 games for the Raptors, highlighted by a nine-point, eight rebound, four steal, two blocked shot performance in nearly 30 minutes of action in a win vs. the 76ers. Other former Gators like Clayton, Richard, Mann, Finney-Smith, Beal, and Horford are also contributing to their NBA teams in various ways this season.

  • Martin was recently named to the NBA's Rising Stars mini-tournament on Feb. 13 in Los Angeles as part of All-Star Weekend.
  • Martin signed a two-way deal with the Raptors out of training camp.
  • Beal will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season after suffering a fractured hip in a game against the Phoenix Suns on Nov. 8, 2025.

The players

Alijah Martin

A 6-foot-2, 210-pound rookie guard for the Toronto Raptors who was recently named to the NBA's Rising Stars mini-tournament.

Walter Clayton Jr.

A 6-foot-4, 195-pound guard for the Utah Jazz who is averaging 6.9 points, 3.3 assists and 2.0 rebounds in 43 games this season.

Will Richard

A 6-foot-3, 206-pound guard for the Golden State Warriors who is averaging 7.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.3 steals in 44 games (15 starts) this season.

Tre Mann

A 6-foot-4, 178-pound guard for the Charlotte Hornets who is averaging 7.5 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 30 games (one start) this season.

Bradley Beal

A 6-foot-4, 207-pound guard for the Los Angeles Clippers who will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season after suffering a fractured hip.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Honestly, just trying to make an impact. Coming off the bench, knowing these guys need some help. We're down a couple bodies. I'm just trying to be a positive light.”

— Alijah Martin

“The fact that in a short period of time, he's put himself in a position to play in that game, it's just not that surprising... He was a great competitor for us last year, and I think that's a big part of who he is.”

— Todd Golden, Florida basketball coach

What’s next

The judge in Beal's case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow him out on bail.

The takeaway

The success of these former Florida players in the NBA demonstrates the strength and talent pipeline of the Gators' basketball program. It also highlights the growing global reach of the NBA, with players from diverse college backgrounds making an impact at the professional level.