Walter Clayton Jr.’s journey to the NBA is indeed remarkable. After adapting to a new position under Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino, he leveraged that experience into a national championship run with the Florida Gators. Currently projected as a late first-round pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, Clayton values each step of his journey.

“Just thankful for the people that have been in my life, and just thankful for the journey,” Clayton noted in an interview referencing his preparation for the draft. “I’m ready. I’m ready, for sure.”
(Translation: Just thankful for the people that have been in my life, and just thankful for the journey. I’m ready. I’m ready, for sure.)

Starting as a point guard in high school, Clayton transitioned to a combo guard while at Iona, averaging an impressive 16.8 points per game as a sophomore.

“The combo guard transition… it was really just looking to score more, but I was also so pass-first minded. At Iona, Coach P wanted me to just score first more, and it kinda opened up more scoring for me.”
(Translation: The combo guard transition… it was really just looking to score more, but I was also so pass-first minded. At Iona, Coach P wanted me to just score first more, and it kinda opened up more scoring for me.)

Though he was considering following Pitino to his next destination, Clayton decided to transfer to Gainesville after hearing Gators coach Todd Golden’s aspirations for the program and welcoming his daughter.

His performance at Florida was stellar, with an average of 22.3 points per game leading the Gators to their first national title since 2007. Now, as he prepares for the NBA, Clayton is eager to expand his game further.

Scouting Report

Clayton is one of the draft’s best shooters with the versatility to excel in various positions, and he has the potential to be a competitive defender in the NBA, according to CBS Sports’ Adam Finkelstein.

Pro Comparison

Jordan Clarkson

Measurements

• Height: 6-foot-3
• Weight: 195 pounds

Achievements

• Averaged 17.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists at Florida
• Achieved a 95.3% free throw percentage in his final year at Iona (top in NCAA Division I)
• First player in Florida history to earn first-team All-America honors
• 1,346 points scored at Florida in two years, a program record.

Strengths

• Versatile combo guard
• Proven track record in clutch situations

Weaknesses

• Not regarded as an elite defender
• Inconsistencies in shooting and decision-making.