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3w ago

Walter Clayton Jr. Leads Florida Gators to NCAA Final Four Showdown with Auburn

The former football recruit turned basketball star has been pivotal in Florida's first Final Four run since 2014, showcasing clutch performances and elevating his NBA draft prospects.

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Florida guard Walter Clayton Jr. (1) controls the ball as Connecticut forward Liam McNeeley (30) defends during the second round of the NCAA men's tournament at Lenovo Center.
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Overview

  • Walter Clayton Jr., originally a four-star football recruit, chose basketball and overcame limited initial recruitment to become a standout player.
  • After developing under Rick Pitino at Iona, where he earned Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Player of the Year honors, Clayton transferred to Florida in 2023 for family reasons.
  • Clayton has been instrumental in Florida's NCAA Tournament run, delivering key performances in victories over UConn and Texas Tech, including clutch scoring in the final minutes of both games.
  • He enters the Final Four matchup against Auburn averaging 22.2 points per game in the tournament and is just eight points shy of Florida's single-season scoring record.
  • Clayton’s success has drawn comparisons to NBA star Steph Curry for his 3-point shooting and composure, with projections placing him as a second-round pick in the upcoming NBA draft.