As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, Alijah Martin has emerged as a player to watch. Standing at 6’1.5″ and weighing 176 pounds, the Gonzaga guard has made a name for himself with an impressive college career, showcasing both his athleticism and skill set. With a solid average of 14.4 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game in the 2024-25 season, Martin has proven to be a dynamic presence on the court. His shooting percentages of 45.2% from the field, 35.0% from beyond the arc, and 76.1% from the free-throw line highlight his scoring ability.
Strengths
Martin’s game is characterized by his explosive athleticism. He possesses a remarkable burst that allows him to punish defenders who close out too aggressively. His ability to elevate above the rim is impressive for a player of his size; he finished the season with 29 dunks, showcasing his ability to play bigger than his height suggests. Defensively, Martin is a formidable opponent. He excels in one-on-one situations, absorbing contact and effectively mirroring his opponent’s drives. His versatility as a defender allows him to switch seamlessly, battling through mismatches and leveraging his strength and relentless motor.
In transition, Martin plays with purpose and speed. He runs the lane hard, finishing with power or flaring out for spot-up opportunities. His shooting skills are well-rounded; he has a career average of 36.2% from three-point range and displays confidence in both pull-up and spot-up situations. His shooting mechanics are compact and balanced, featuring a high release that helps him shoot over taller defenders.
Offensively, Martin serves as a competent secondary creator. He effectively handles side pick-and-roll situations and keeps the ball moving without forcing plays. His competitive spirit and leadership qualities shine through, as he plays with an edge and gives maximum effort on every possession.
Weaknesses
Despite his many strengths, Martin does have some areas for improvement. His size poses challenges, particularly as a combo guard. Standing at just 6’1.5″ without shoes and possessing a limited wingspan, he can struggle against taller scorers, especially when contesting shots. This limitation raises questions about his role in the NBA, as he is not a natural point guard and may be too small for a true off-ball position.
Self-creation is another area where Martin needs development. He lacks the necessary wiggle or shift to consistently beat defenders off the dribble in tight spaces, and his playmaking tends to be basic. While he can make the easy read, he struggles to manipulate defenders or create advantages for his teammates. This inconsistency extends to his shooting; although he has shown flashes of brilliance, he shot only 35% from deep this past season, which can limit his reliability as a scorer.
Additionally, while he possesses athleticism, Martin is not a shot-blocker or a significant rim deterrent. His height can be exploited during weak-side closeouts or late switches, and his career free-throw percentage of 76% indicates that while he has a solid touch, it may not be enough to translate into consistent scoring at the next level. When his shot isn’t falling, his offensive impact tends to wane, as he lacks the diverse floor game needed to counteract cold stretches.
Conclusion
As NBA teams prepare for the draft, Alijah Martin presents an intriguing prospect with a blend of athleticism, skill, and competitive drive. While he has areas to improve, his strengths make him a valuable asset for any franchise looking to add depth and versatility to their roster. With the right development and opportunity, Martin could very well carve out a successful career in the NBA. As the draft approaches, fans will be eager to see where this promising talent lands and how he will continue to evolve in the professional ranks.