Image credits: FAU Athletics
Florida Gators head basketball coach Todd Golden's hard recruiting efforts continued to pay off Sunday with his third acquisition from the transfer portal. FAU guard Aliyah Martin told ESPN that she decided to play her graduation season at Florida over 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 in three seasons as a starter and was a key member of the Owls' 2023 Final Four appearance, during which time he was FAU's most efficient player in multiple NCAA tournaments. He became a great player. game. Although his shooting average dropped a bit last season, Martin has shot 36.9% from beyond the arc in his career.
One of 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, which is the strongest conference in America,” he told ESPN. “I wanted the chance to be the primary ball handler and compete for a national title at a program known for NBA talent and developing players to the next level.”
The departure of John Poulin leaves a hole at Florida's point guard position. With starting guards Walter Creighton Jr. and Will Richard both listed for the 2024 NBA Draft, there are concerns that the Gators will need scoring help in the backcourt. However, both players have the option to return and are expected to play at UF next season. It remains to be seen whether Martin will actually serve as the starting floor general.
Chattanooga forward Sam Alexis and Washington State four-star center Ruben Chiniel join Martin as members of the Gators' incoming transfer class. As with any transfer, it's unclear how well the trio will be able to adjust to their new universities and programs. However, Golden's transfer track record, especially last season, is immeasurable.
Although not direct replacements, Chiniel and Alexis will be part of an effort to compensate for the loss of Tyrese Samuel, the Gators' high-level starter who, like Poulin, is no longer eligible after the 2023-24 season. Starting center Mika Handlotten, who will be a junior next season, is expected to start the season after sustaining a serious foot injury during the 2024 SEC Tournament. Chinyelu and Alexis will also launch a campaign on his behalf.