FAU Basketball Alums Seek NCAA Glory in Different Jerseys
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — The anticipation around the NCAA Tournament has reached a fever pitch as former Florida Atlantic University (FAU) players Nick Boyd, Johnell Davis, and Alijah Martin find themselves on opposite sides of the bracket. This twist of fate means that the close-knit group, which achieved historic success together, will not reunite in the Final Four.
Unique Journey to the Tournament
The four former starters—Boyd, Davis, Martin, and center Vladislav Goldin—who propelled FAU to its first Final Four appearance in 2023 are now competing at different universities. Despite the separation, their bond remains strong.
- Nick Boyd: Now at San Diego State, he leads the Aztecs with an average of 13.4 points per game.
- Johnell Davis: Playing for Arkansas, he contributes significantly with 11.2 points per game.
- Alijah Martin: At Florida, he has emerged as the Gators’ second-leading scorer, averaging 14.5 points.
- Vladislav Goldin: Under coach Dusty May at Michigan, he’s become a standout performer, averaging 16.7 points and 6.8 rebounds.
Boyd expressed a desire to compete against his former teammates, highlighting the fun they would have battling each other on the court: “They’re my brothers; we would have so much fun.”
Reflections on a Historic Season
The legacy of FAU’s 2022-23 season continues to resonate with these players. The Owls made an unforgettable run as a No. 9 seed, achieving impressive victories over well-ranked teams including Memphis, Tennessee, and Kansas State. The tournament concluded with a narrow loss to San Diego State in the semifinals, a game marred by a last-second shot that denied FAU a spot in the championship.
“It was a special team,” Martin reflected. “That’s the team that’s going to forever be on my resume. That’s the one I’m going to remember the most.”
Maintaining Connections Amid Change
The offseason has remained a time of connection for Boyd, Davis, Martin, and Goldin, despite their geographic differences. They frequently communicate through texts and video calls, remaining invested in each other’s journeys. Boyd noted, “We keep in touch all the time. We’re family.”
FAU’s former coach, Dusty May, emphasized maintaining the connection as well, checking in regularly and following their performances closely. “It is a tight-knit group, and the guys follow each other closely,” he stated.
Looking Ahead
As the tournament progresses, the players often contemplate what could have been had they all remained part of the FAU roster. Boyd noted how their past experience fostered a unique competitive edge that served them well: “We stayed in the gym and ultimately our love for the game allowed us to come to practice every single day and have more of a voice.”
With Florida emerging as a top contender in this year’s tournament, having claimed the Southeastern Conference title and boasting a No. 1 seed, Martin’s aspirations are high. He stated, “This team could finish it off, finish the job, honestly.” The journey they began together in Boca Raton continues, and their individual pursuits may lead them to the pinnacle of college basketball once again.
