Alijah Martin is a 6-2 shooting guard for Florida Gators. He transferred to the program from Florida Atlantic, where he spent four years, one of which saw him playing a key role in leading the team to its unlikely Final Four run. He had 26 points and seven rebounds in that game. Fast forward to 2 years, and nothing much was different. This time, wearing the colors of the best athletic program in the state, Martin dropped 14 points to help the Gators to a Final Four for the first time since 2014.

2 game-defining dunks and 17 points later, he was heading to his first championship game. Two years prior, the guard would have never imagined he would be making history in the NCAA tournament twice, with two different teams. But he was on the biggest stage in 2025, and one couldn’t ignore the foundation that helped shape him to be the standout he is.

Alijah Martin Parents

Alijah Martin’s was born to Tina Martin and Randall Ridley, as per the Florida Gators’ official website.

Who is Alijah Martin’s Mother?

Alijah Martin’s mother, Tina Martin, is more than just a supportive parent—she’s been an active influence in his basketball journey since birth. Known affectionately as “Mama Martin” by the Gators, she is a middle school teacher and youth basketball coach, according to the team’s official website.

Her passion for the game was passed down early. In an interview in 2023 with wptv.com, “I was a basketball coach when Martin was born, so he had a basketball in his hands before he could walk,” Tina recalled. As a young boy, he often played against his older sister, taking his lumps until he grew big enough to hold his own. “I used to laugh because she would just bang him up real good, and I was saying to myself, ‘Oh, the day is going to come.’ Because he was always tall, and sure enough, that day came,” she said.

Tina has been a constant presence in his career, making it a priority to support her son in every step of his basketball journey. “Their teamwork, they are a group of brothers that really love and support one another, and I love that,” she said in 2023 while cheering for FAU. “I told them, let’s go get that win!”

Who is Alijah Martin’s Father?

Alijah Martin’s father is Randall Ridley, though not much information is publicly available about him. However, one person who has played a father-like role in Martin’s life is his former FAU coach, Dusty May.

When May left FAU for Michigan last offseason, many expected Martin to follow. Instead, Martin chose a different path, transferring to Florida to finish his college career. Despite this decision, he still holds May in high regard. “Coach May, he definitely reached out to my people,” Martin told CBS Sports. “He kinda knew I was going to try and spread my wings and get some new coaching and learn some new things from different coaches because I had been with him for four years. He is a father figure to me. It wasn’t no love lost.”

What are Alijah Martin’s Parents’ Nationality?

Alijah Martin’s parents, Tina Martin and Randall Ridley, are both American nationals, and according to the gators website, he was born and raised in Summit, Mississippi.

From Friday night lights as a star quarterback to dominating the hardwood, Martin’s path was never ordinary. In North Pike High School, he threw for 2,100 yards, ran for 1,300 more, and still managed to put up 25.4 points per game on the basketball court as a senior. But when the time came to choose, he went all in on hoops—a gamble that now has him knocking on the door of college basketball greatness.

From Summit, Mississippi, to the national stage, Alijah Martin’s journey has been shaped by his family—especially his mother, Tina, who nurtured his love for basketball from day one. Now, as he prepares for another Final Four appearance this time against Auburn, his story is a testament to his mother’s unwavering support.