Raptors Draft: Martin’s Passport Fix After Workout
- NEW YORK-A passport proved almost as crucial as his basketball skills for Alijah Martin.
- Martin, a 6-foot-2 standout, nearly missed his initial workout with the Raptors after forgetting his passport.
- The raptors' interest in Martin stemmed from his extraordinary college career.
Alijah Martin‘s NBA dream nearly derailed before it began. Drafted by the Toronto Raptors with the 39th pick, the Florida guard encountered a passport issue that delayed his initial workout with the team. This unexpected stumble serves as a reminder of the importance of planning, especially for international travel. Martin’s journey to the Raptors is a compelling story of resilience, highlighting his impressive college career and contribution to florida’s national championship run. He learned a valuable lesson about international travel the hard way but secured his spot in the draft. at News Directory 3, we cover these inspiring stories of rising talent. Now, with his passport securely packed, Martin heads to training camp. Discover what’s next for this rising star.
Alijah Martin Drafted by Raptors After Passport snafu
Updated june 28, 2025
NEW YORK-A passport proved almost as crucial as his basketball skills for Alijah Martin. Selected 39th overall by the Toronto Raptors in Thursday’s NBA draft, the Florida guard learned a valuable lesson about international travel this spring.
Martin, a 6-foot-2 standout, nearly missed his initial workout with the Raptors after forgetting his passport. The oversight delayed his trip to Canada, but he ensured the document was in hand for the draft in New York.
The raptors’ interest in Martin stemmed from his extraordinary college career. after five years, including a stint with Florida Atlantic’s Final Four team in 2023, he transferred to Florida. Last season, he averaged 14.4 points,contributing to the Gators’ 36-4 record and national championship victory.
The initial passport problem occurred when Martin was already en route to the airport for workouts.”I was going to the airport…and I was just thinking like, ‘Oh, I can just show a picture, you know how you do with the ID,'” martin said. “But I get there, try to check in and I tell her I left my passport and she goes, ‘Ooh, that’s a bad thing.'”
Martin quickly rebooked his flight and made it to Toronto. Now, as he prepares to join the Raptors, he’s not taking any chances. “Just in case,” he said, smiling, about his now-packed passport.
What’s next
Martin will join the Raptors for training camp, aiming to secure a spot on the roster and contribute his skills to the team’s upcoming season.