At 22 years old, Walter Clayon Jr. is on the verge of having almost everything he has wanted in life. But such wasn’t always the case for the Sebring, Florida native who is likely to become a mid to late first-round pick as part of the 2025 NBA Draft class.
Growing up in Lake Wales, Florida, Walter Jr, the middle child of Walter Sr. and Cherie’s three children (older and younger sisters), was a two-sport star for the Lake Wales Highlanders.
While basketball was his true passion, Clayton excelled on the gridiron, playing up to three positions, including quarterback, wide receiver, and safety, finishing his sophomore season with 10 receptions, 189 yards, and a pair of touchdowns, with more than 50 tackles on defense.
However, for as much fun as he had on the turf, it was the hardwood that drew Clayton’s attention.
After his sophomore year, he transferred to play for the Bartow High School Yellow Jackets, leaving the pigskin behind to focus solely on hoops.
Averaging 15.4 points, 4.3 assists, and 4.3 rebounds in his senior season, Clayton led the Yellow Jackets to their second straight 6A State Championship.
But despite two championship rings and some impressive stats, Clayton failed to draw the attention of any major Division 1 NCAA school for his work on the court.
ESPN didn’t have him ranked among their top 100, and Rivals hardly mentioned him among their incoming freshmen.
Although the production and success were evident, the lack of size, presumed athleticism, and not playing for a traditional powerhouse program led to the lack of attention.
While Charleston, East Carolina, Florida A&M, Iona, James Madison, and Stetson all showed interest in his skills on the hardwood, Power 5 schools, including Florida, Notre Dame, Georgia, Auburn, and Tennessee, were among the numerous NCAA schools that sought his talents…
On the football field.
After committing to play for the Iona Gaels and legendary coach Rick Pitino, Clayton raised a few eyebrows in choosing the New York-based university.
However, when given an opportunity to play for a Hall of Fame coach, one would be crazy to turn it down.
“We looked at the film, and what I liked is that he won back-to-back high school championships,” Pitino said then.
“I wanted a winner at Iona, and he was a winner. Even though he was a football player, I liked the way he passed the ball. I liked what he was doing.”
Averaging a decent 7.3 points per outing in limited minutes as a freshman, Clayton produced solid numbers, but certainly nothing to write home about.
But after becoming a full-time starter in his sophomore season, he was truly able to showcase his talents.
With increased floor time, Clayton more than doubled his production, averaging 16.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists, shooting 45% from the field and 43% from downtown, earning the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Player of the Year award.
Clayton’s statistical explosion drew the attention of larger Division I programs, and after two seasons with the Gaels, Clayton entered the transfer portal.
He didn’t just want a new challenge, but a school closer to home and his soon-to-be family with his pregnant girlfriend, Tatiyana Burney.
While there were several options on the table, Clayton opted to head home to the University of Florida.
“When we got to know him and his mother Cherie on his recruiting visit, we knew he was special in terms of the way he carried himself,” Coach Todd Golden said when Clayton signed with the SEC program.
In his first season with the Gators, Clayton earned Second Team All-SEC honors on the back of averaging 17.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists.
As the seventh seed in the NCAA Tournament, the Gators found their dance card short-lived as they dropped a two-point loss to the Colorado Buffaloes.
However, scouts had taken notice of Clayton’s growth.
Based on his individual success, he threw his name into the list of NBA Draft hopefuls as part of the 2024 class.
After going through as much of the process as possible before having to officially commit, Clayton took all of the constructive advice and returned to Gainesville, hoping to improve his draft stock.
“I think for him, going to get NBA workouts last spring and summer, I think it was really, really big for him,” Golden stated.
“To be able to get some good feedback from six or seven NBA teams, it really motivated him.”
Although he may have been an early second-round pick (at best), Clayton’s decision to return for a fourth collegiate season proved to be a spectacular one.
Averaging almost similar numbers to his junior season, Clayton improved his shooting percentages, bumped up his assist numbers, and cut down on turnovers while leading the Gators to a 27-4 regular season record.
Not only did his individual numbers continue to impress, but so did the Gators with wins over a pair of statement victories over then-number 1-ranked teams.
In the span of a month, Florida demolished Tennessee by 30 and then held off Auburn for a nine-point victory, marking the first time in team history the Gators defeated two top-ranked teams in the same season.
His consistent play and floor leadership resulted in First Team All-American status and First Team All-SEC honors, but more importantly for the Gators, it led them to their third NCAA championship and first since 2007.
On route to cutting down the nets, Clayton was nothing short of spectacular, averaging 22.3 points per game, including a pair of 30+ point efforts against Texas Tech and Auburn, impressing former North Carolina coach Roy Williams.
“That Walter Clayton Jr. is the real deal,” Williams said following Florida’s second victory over the Tigers.
Facing the Houston Cougars in the title game, a stifling defense cooled Clayton’s hot hand, holding him scoreless in the first half.
But just as he had done many times before, the Gators’ guard found a way to impact the game in other ways.
On the back of an eleven-point, seven-assist, and five-rebound effort, he was awarded the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player as the Gators outlasted the Cougars 65-63 to cut down the nets.
While returning to campus over being a second-round pick had its perks – thanks to NIL deals versus a non-guaranteed contract – for a former high school star who struggled to land a D1 scholarship, Clayton’s decision ultimately boosted his NBA stock to become a surefire first-round pick.
His rise has sparked interest from several NBA teams, particularly those who are seeking a combo guard who can contribute early in the rotation and offer more than just a 3 and D skillset.
Both Florida-based NBA franchises, the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat, have been rumored to be willing to use their first-round draft pick on Clayton.
The up-and-coming Magic could use a steady backcourt scorer to lineup alongside Jalen Suggs or be the first guard off the bench, while the Heat need a partner for Tyler Herro.
Rick Pitino had big praise and comparison for his former player: “Just think of what a big time winner Jalen Brunson is, now pencil in Walter Clayton Jr. There you go. Just Win Baby!”
Whichever team calls Clayton’s name on draft night, they won’t just be drafting a shooter or scorer; they’ll be adding a player who understands the grind and effort it takes to succeed.
While Walter Clayton Jr. may no longer be considered an underdog, he still plays like one.
