SNAPSHOT
One of the biggest draft bolters courtesy of a masterful NCAA National Tournament campaign, Walter Clayton Jr. shows no fear as a scorer and could be an immediately impactful player following his selection at the 2025 NBA Draft.
The guard was one of the top performers on the biggest stage, storming up draft calculations with match-winning showings against some of the best prospects in the country, and although his defence does hold him back, teams will be willing to punt on his offensive production.
DRAFT PROFILE
Born in Florida to parents who both played college basketball years prior, Clayton Jr. was an immediate standout, showcasing his ability to find the bottom of the net by averaging double-digits in the points column throughout his high school career.
Also a talented football player, Clayton Jr. received college offers across both sports, but opted to join the Iona Gaels for his Freshman season. However, he transferred to Florida following a breakout season at Iona, opting to play on a bigger stage.
Although he did initially declare for the 2024 NBA Draft, he withdrew and returned to the Gators for his senior season, in a move that could prove defining in his basketball journey. He led Florida to a 27-4 record with his scoring ability, putting together one of the best individual seasons in the program's history.
Throughout the 2024/25 season, Clayton Jr. averaged 18.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.5 blocks per game, while shooting 44.8 per cent from the field, 38.6 per cent from three-point land and 87.5 per cent from the free throw line, all while leading the Gators to the National Championship.
STRENGTHS
+ Shooting confidence
+ Clutch performer
+ Ability to create own shot
+ Tendency to score in quick succession
IMPROVEMENTS
- Defence
- Inside scoring.
There are few players in the draft class that have more confidence in their own scoring ability than Clayton Jr., who is comfortable taking just about any shot in the halfcourt. Across all three levels, he can simply get to his spot and find the bottom of the net better than a lot of other prospects.
The clutch performer of the NCAA season, Clayton Jr. stepped up with the game on the line on countless occasions, and did not shy away from the big moments. He seems to feel no pressure whatsoever and embraces the bright lights at all times.
One of his biggest strengths is his ability to get to his spots off the dribble, making him a viable option later in the shot clock. If teams need some naturally generated offence, Clayton Jr. will certainly fill that void, and could be a great option for bench scoring.
The biggest knock on his game comes on the defensive end, with opposition players looking to target him throughout his collegiate career. He did show promise in the Championship game with a match-winning closeout in the dying seconds, but will still need to improve this at NBA level.
DRAFT PROJECTION: Late first round
Clayton Jr. stormed into first round calculations with a memorable National Tournament performance, and teams will still have those outings fresh in their minds. If his offence can translate to the top level and he can begin to hold his own a bit more defensively, he could be a steal late in the first round.
