Walter Clayton jr

[954gator]

What a legendary season and tournament for WCJ! We all know he was a BEAST at Florida , but what are y'alls thoughts on him at the next level?

I know he's 22 and the NBA seems heavily prioritize 18ish year old kids in the draft, but I really hope he gets taken somewhere where he get's a legit chance to thrive.

He had these numbers from the 2024 g-league combine for reference...
Height: 6'2.5 no shoes
WingSpan: 6'425
Max vert: 37.5 Standing vert: 28

 

[WeAreDePaul]

I would say there's about a 97% chance we are all trying to remember his name in 10 years. Great college player, but that's where it ends for him.

 

[954gator]

I would say there's about a 97% chance we are all trying to remember his name in 10 years. Great college player, but that's where it ends for him.

Damn really? What makes you say that just curious?

 

[WeAreDePaul]

Damn really? What makes you say that just curious?

he's clearly not good enough or big enough to be an NBA player. We've all seen it before. Dominant upper classman undersized scoring guard. It's a recipe for European pro career at best.

 

[954gator]

he's clearly not good enough or big enough to be an NBA player. We've all seen it before. Dominant upper classman undersized scoring guard. It's a recipe for European pro career at best.

I guess we'll see. It all depends on if a team gives him a shot or not. Not many thought Van Fleet who's 6 nothing would be successful in the league. I know I didn't.

There's just something about this kid. I never expected him to make it in the league either, but this year has thinking he could make it at whatever level. One of those guys that just won't allow himself to be denied.

 

[UL_1986]

I guess we'll see. It all depends on if a team gives him a shot or not. Not many thought Van Fleet who's 6 nothing would be successful in the league. I know I didn't.

Jalen Brunson, Mike Conley, Kyle Lowry, Jose Alvarado, Davion Mitchell, etc. There are plenty of smaller dudes that make an impact in the NBA, which prob isn't apparent to a casual or non-NBA follower.

 

[UL_1986]

Btw, the playoffs have been awesome thus far. I like the NBA more than cbb, as I think it's a better product and is easier on the eyes. I do love cbb though. With NIL and the transfer portal, I still dig it...it has just become second tier to me as it seems like an amateur league with not as good players.

 

[WeAreDePaul]

I guess we'll see. It all depends on if a team gives him a shot or not. Not many thought Van Fleet who's 6 nothing would be successful in the league. I know I didn't.

There's just something about this kid. I never expected him to make it in the league either, but this year has thinking he could make it at whatever level. One of those guys that just won't allow himself to be denied.

FVV is a PG so how is that relevant??? If Clayton was a PG he wouldn't be that undersized, but he's not. He's a 2 guard and for that he is too small.

 

[954gator]

FVV is a PG so how is that relevant??? If Clayton was a PG he wouldn't be that undersized, but he's not. He's a 2 guard and for that he is too small.

Clayton played point at Florida this year you know that right?

 

[WeAreDePaul]

Clayton played point at Florida this year you know that right?

he's not a PG at the next level. You know this, don't be daft.

 

[mcnicKY91]

Btw, the playoffs have been awesome thus far. I like the NBA more than cbb, as I think it's a better product and is easier on the eyes. I do love cbb though. With NIL and the transfer portal, I still dig it...it has just become second tier to me as it seems like an amateur league with not as good players.

It is interesting that a lot of ppl say the product is better and is easier on the eyes...

But year after year, the NCAA Tournament outperforms the NBA Playoffs, and the FF/championship game outperform the NBA Finals when it comes to viewership.

 

[954gator]

he's not a PG at the next level. You know this, don't be daft.

Why not? Traditional "position" specific basketball is barely a thing in the modern NBA anymore anyways. Guards need to be versatile everyone needs to be able to switch. Who wants traditional point guards that can't score or shooting guards that can't handle?

Ideally I'd have as many 6'7-6'10 guys that do as much of everything as possible, but sometimes the longer guys can't keep up with the little guys around screens and through actions. That's why Curry is so good. Simply, Clayton can get buckets and the NBA is about getting buckets more than ever.

 

[954gator]

It is interesting that a lot of ppl say the product is better and is easier on the eyes...

But year after year, the NCAA Tournament outperforms the NBA Playoffs, and the FF/championship game outperform the NBA Finals when it comes to viewership.

The skill is night and day better, but the sketch level is even higher sometimes. The players are all so good that a small whistle advantage for the home team can feel like a 50 ton weight.

That and outside of the playoffs the games (not all but the majority of them) are a bit watered down and emotionless. The passion for the game is on another level in college. I do worry a lot about all the dramatic changes happening to the college game though.

NBA playoffs have always been great though.

 

[WeAreDePaul]

Why not? Traditional "position" specific basketball is barely a thing in the modern NBA anymore anyways. Guards need to be versatile everyone needs to be able to switch. Who wants traditional point guards that can't score or shooting guards that can't handle?

Ideally I'd have as many 6'7-6'10 guys that do as much of everything as possible, but sometimes the longer guys can't keep up with the little guys around screens and through actions. That's why Curry is so good. Simply, Clayton can get buckets and the NBA is about getting buckets more than ever.

I guess we'll see what happens. I'm petty enough where now I am rooting for him to fail just so I can be right on the message board

 

[UL_1986]

It is interesting that a lot of ppl say the product is better and is easier on the eyes...

But year after year, the NCAA Tournament outperforms the NBA Playoffs, and the FF/championship game outperform the NBA Finals when it comes to viewership.

Maybe viewership, but the game itself is much better. The spacing, shooting, passing,, etc.

 

[WeAreDePaul]

It is interesting that a lot of ppl say the product is better and is easier on the eyes...

But year after year, the NCAA Tournament outperforms the NBA Playoffs, and the FF/championship game outperform the NBA Finals when it comes to viewership.

I personally judge the product based on how competitive it is. I never judge it based on how skilled the players are. Sure skill is fun to watch, but after you've seen 100 step back 3s go in are you really seeing something that interesting when #101 goes in? Same goes for most basketball highlights.

 

[AuHoosier420]

walter clayton single handily costed Auburn a national title. Dude could not miss in either game verses Auburn. Even with hands in his face.

 

[Bert Higginbotha]

What a legendary season and tournament for WCJ! We all know he was a BEAST at Florida , but what are y'alls thoughts on him at the next level?

I know he's 22 and the NBA seems heavily prioritize 18ish year old kids in the draft, but I really hope he gets taken somewhere where he get's a legit chance to thrive.

He had these numbers from the 2024 g-league combine for reference...
Height: 6'2.5 no shoes
WingSpan: 6'425
Max vert: 37.5 Standing vert: 28

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I don't follow the NBA, but Walter Clayton Jr. made Florida a contender.

I love the young man.

His instincts are rare and when Florida was down was always the time that it seemed that Walter would step up. Without him Florida would not have their third title.

 

[954gator]

walter clayton single handily costed Auburn a national title. Dude could not miss in either game verses Auburn. Even with hands in his face.

He's been that guy for us all year. I'm an efficiency guy when it comes to scoring and I usually hate guys taking deep 3s or tough shots on the move in general, but Clayton is just at another level when it comes to shot making.

 

[954gator]

I don't follow the NBA, but Walter Clayton Jr. made Florida a contender.

I love the young man.

His instincts are rare and when Florida was down was always the time that it seemed that Walter would step up. Without him Florida would not have their third title.

Even in the tourney game we lost last year Clayton went nuts. He scored 16 with less than 4 min left to tie the game with 11 seconds left. It was an absolutely legendary performance that no one remembers bc we lost. (fack that crooked ref Eric Curry forever btw)

 

[rdgtr]

I hope Clayton gets drated by either the Boston Celtics or the Chicago Bulls!
One of the Florida NBA teams like Orlando or Miami would be nice, too.

 

[rdgtr]

Even in the tourney game we lost last year Clayton went nuts. He scored 16 with less than 4 min left to tie the game with 11 seconds left. It was an absolutely legendary performance that no one remembers bc we lost. (fack that crooked ref Eric Curry forever btw)

Clayton had three NCAA Tourney games where he had 30+ points.
This was Walter Clayton Jr's last 7-NCAA results:

2024:
33 points, (1st Rd exit by UF to Colorado, L: 100-102)

2025:
23 pts, 2 A, 5 reb, 1 Stl (1st RD, #1 Norfolk St, W: 95-69),
23 pts , 1 A (RD32, #8 UConn-2x,defending Champ, W: 77-75)
13 pts, 4 A, 1 reb, 1 stl (SW16, #4 Maryland, W: 87-71)
30 pts, 4 A, 2reb, 2Blks (E8, #3 Texas Tech, W: 84-79)
34 pts, 2 A, 4 reb (F4, #1 Auburn, W: 79-73)
11 pts, 7 A, 5 reb (Final, #1 Houston, W: 65-63)
======================================
Total Pts: 167 pts (134 pts in 2025 NCAA)

 

[UL_1986]

I personally judge the product based on how competitive it is. I never judge it based on how skilled the players are. Sure skill is fun to watch, but after you've seen 100 step back 3s go in are you really seeing something that interesting when #101 goes in? Same goes for most basketball highlights.

The playoffs are always ultra competitive. They are the best players in the world as well. I cringe when I hear the "lack of defense" crowd, from people that don't even follow the NBA. Couldn't be more untrue. The talent is off the charts and play is probably better than it's ever been in the NBA.

 

[boilerzz]

Clayton had three NCAA Tourney games where he had 30+ points.
This was Walter Clayton Jr's last 7-NCAA results:

2024:
33 points, (1st Rd exit by UF to Colorado, L: 100-102)

2025:
23 pts, 2 A, 5 reb, 1 Stl (1st RD, #1 Norfolk St, W: 95-69),
23 pts , 1 A (RD32, #8 UConn-2x,defending Champ, W: 77-75)
13 pts, 4 A, 1 reb, 1 stl (SW16, #4 Maryland, W: 87-71)
30 pts, 4 A, 2reb, 2Blks (E8, #3 Texas Tech, W: 84-79)
34 pts, 2 A, 4 reb (F4, #1 Auburn, W: 79-73)
11 pts, 7 A, 5 reb (Final, #1 Houston, W: 65-63)
======================================
Total Pts: 167 pts (134 pts in 2025 NCAA)

Glen Rice says.....

 

[boilerzz]

Glen Rice says.....

PS - I'd have loved to used my boy Carsen Edwards but the officials decided to ignore a lane violation against UVA in the Elite 8. Carsen was on an all time heater, scoring 139 points in 4 games (34.8 PPG) and shooting 28-61 from three in those 4 games.

 

[Rod Dangerfield]

walter clayton single handily costed Auburn a national title. Dude could not miss in either game verses Auburn. Even with hands in his face.

Hello, asshole.

 

[WeAreDePaul]

PS - I'd have loved to used my boy Carsen Edwards but the officials decided to ignore a lane violation against UVA in the Elite 8. Carsen was on an all time heater, scoring 139 points in 4 games (34.8 PPG) and shooting 28-61 from three in those 4 games.

and back then there were a lot of people blinded by that predicting that Carson would be an NBA player. I knew better. Like I said, Carson Edwards and Claytons come along every couple years and they are what they are, undersized amazing college scoring guards who have no NBA future.

 

[boilerzz]

and back then there were a lot of people blinded by that predicting that Carson would be an NBA player. I knew better. Like I said, Carson Edwards and Claytons come along every couple years and they are what they are, undersized amazing college scoring guards who have no NBA future.

I think Clayton is 2-3 inches taller than Carsen and a more willing defender and passer.

Carsen was also very streaky as a shooter so I'm not sure he fit as a microwave bench scorer.

He's thriving in Europe though. He led one of the better Euro Leagues in scoring and was just name 1st team all league.

 

[954gator]

and back then there were a lot of people blinded by that predicting that Carson would be an NBA player. I knew better. Like I said, Carson Edwards and Claytons come along every couple years and they are what they are, undersized amazing college scoring guards who have no NBA future.

To be fair Carson Edwards measured at the combine to be 5'10.75 without shoes. I always figured Clayton was 6ft or something and that was a big reason for his draft stock. When I saw he's 6'2.5 without shoes it surprised me.

 

[954gator]

Clayton had three NCAA Tourney games where he had 30+ points.
This was Walter Clayton Jr's last 7-NCAA results:

2024:
33 points, (1st Rd exit by UF to Colorado, L: 100-102)

2025:
23 pts, 2 A, 5 reb, 1 Stl (1st RD, #1 Norfolk St, W: 95-69),
23 pts , 1 A (RD32, #8 UConn-2x,defending Champ, W: 77-75)
13 pts, 4 A, 1 reb, 1 stl (SW16, #4 Maryland, W: 87-71)
30 pts, 4 A, 2reb, 2Blks (E8, #3 Texas Tech, W: 84-79)
34 pts, 2 A, 4 reb (F4, #1 Auburn, W: 79-73)
11 pts, 7 A, 5 reb (Final, #1 Houston, W: 65-63)
======================================
Total Pts: 167 pts (134 pts in 2025 NCAA)

Don't forget 2023: 15 pts 4A, 4 reb vs eventual champ UCONN. Led IONA in scoring and fun fact Iona was the only team to be beating UCONN at half in the 2023 NCAA tourney.

Clayton was there when UCONN started their streak toward their first title, and he was there to end it.