When Florida Gator guard Alijah Martin was drafted to the Toronto Raptors with the No. 39 overall pick, it was a bit of a surprise. While Martin's stock had been rising and Gator fans knew what he was capable of, [most mock drafts](https://hailfloridahail.com/find-a-way-or-find-an-excuse-florida-guard-alijah-martin-finds-his-way-to-the-nba) still had Martin as someone who wouldn't get taken until after No. 45.
Raptor fans had some mixed reactions to the pick, but to get a better idea of how Martin is going to fit in his new home, we reached out to Amos C. Mina, Raptors expert for our [Fansided sister site](https://raptorsrapture.com/) Raptors Rapture, and asked him how they are feeling north of the border about their new pick.
**Hail Florida Hail: The Raptors were 30-52 last year. How does Martin help address the issues that ailed Toronto last year?**
**Amos C. Mina:** I would tell you that Toronto could definitely use some sharpshooting specialists in their arsenal, and while I don't think Martin necessarily falls under that category, he does seem like a very sound shooter at 35%.
The Raptors have historically been a team where even if you're some amazing shooter, if you can't hold up your end of the bargain on defense, then your shooting strengths are essentially rendered useless. I think the fact that Martin is both a stout defender and capable shooter certainly had a role in the Raptors' decision to draft him.
**HFH: How does the roster shape up for Toronto, and how might that impact Martin's journey of starting in the G-League or starting in Toronto?**
**AM:** I don't know to be honest. I could definitely see a scenario where the coaching staff takes a good look at him in Summer League, training camp, and preseason and go, "This kid is ready."
Then again, I think about who the Raptors already have eating minutes that would go to Martin, guys like Ja'Kobe Walter and Jamal Shead… it'd be hard to see Martin knocking those guys out of the pecking order as a second-round pick so soon.
Perhaps Toronto could give him a fair amount of run early on to see how he fairs against those guys, but I would be more inclined to think Martin spends a fair bit of his rookie campaign over with the Raptors 905 G League team.
**HFH: At the moment he was drafted, some Toronto fans were thrilled, and some hated the Martin pick. Now that fans have had a chance to breathe, how are they feeling about the pick?**
**AM:** I think a lot of fans were turned off seeing the Raptors draft five-year college vet, who also happens to be a 6'2" guard… for what that looks like at face value. I think for the more conscientious Raptors fans, they took the time to assess Martin's tape and story, understanding how much of a role he played as an influence on winning basketball.
Raptors fans already have a similar dog who churned out a rookie success story in Jamal Shead, and I think it sets up a pretty solid foundation for what Martin can become also. And again, for a late second-round pick, I don't know if it's worth throwing a tantrum over… Martin will either bring elements of that winning identity over to the Raptors or he doesn't (plain and simple).
**HFH: Martin has a no-nonsense attitude and was the locker room leader for the Gators this season. How is that going to go over in Toronto?**
**AM:** Toronto prides itself on assembling a roster of guys who exhibit that exact type of character and personality.
The culture has long been established on being no-nonsense, prioritizing selflessness, and challenging everyone to be a team player — and with that, I think Alijah Martin has it all in the bag.
It's exactly why when I began to see and realize who Martin was, it just screamed another example of the Raptors finding their go-to guys in the draft. Put simply, Martin fits like a glove within the Raptors culture and I think that was influenced Toronto to take him with the pick.
**HFH - What does Martin need to do for Toronto fans to consider him a successful draft pick?**
**AM** - Martin isn't going to be some blow away, fancy stats guy, so if Raptors fans are looking for that, they're looking at the wrong guy. But for the Raptors fans that value intangibles, a guy who's willing to do all the little things, being that glue guy, then Toronto definitely got a dog in Alijah Martin.
I think if he can just prove to the fanbase that he's a gamer who's always down to put it all out on the court, that'll be enough to sway everyone on his side. He just has to show effort (knocking down his three-ball at an efficient clip would definitely be nice) and I have every reason to think he can get it done (with his winning expertise).He may be small and his game isn't exactly the most flashy, but I can definitely see Alijah Martin becoming a fan favorite of the young Bench Mob 2.0 in the near future.
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We thank Amos for his time, and you can follow Martin's journey and the rest of the Toronto Raptors over at Raptors Rapture.