SAN ANTONIO — The NBA draft is just around the corner, and the debate over how teams evaluate players is heating up. It’s common for older college players to be overlooked in favor of younger prospects, but this year may be different, thanks to standout performances in the NCAA Tournament.
One player making waves is Walter Clayton Jr., a senior guard from the University of Florida. At 6-foot-3, Clayton has led the top-seeded Gators to the national championship game for the first time since 2007. He has been on fire, averaging 24.6 points per game and hitting 48.2% of his three-point attempts during the tournament. His recent performance included a remarkable 30-point game in the Final Four, a feat not achieved since Carmelo Anthony did it in 2003.
Despite his success, Clayton is 22 years old, which often makes scouts hesitant to place him high on their draft boards. His former coach, Rick Pitino, believes Clayton has proven himself deserving of a first-round pick. He sees similarities between Clayton and Steph Curry during Curry’s time at Davidson, highlighting Clayton’s speed, shooting ability, and scoring talent.
Florida’s assistant coach, John Andrzejek, echoed this sentiment, stating that if Clayton is not picked in the first round, it would reflect poorly on the NBA’s evaluation process. He emphasized that Clayton is the best player on a team competing for a national title, despite concerns about his age.
Clayton’s journey to this point is notable. He was initially more recognized as a football recruit in high school and had to shift his focus to basketball later on. He started his college career at Iona, where he became the MAAC Player of the Year, before transferring to Florida. His growth as a player has been remarkable, culminating in his recognition as a consensus All-American this season.
As the Gators prepare for the championship game, Clayton’s future in the NBA is bright, and many are eager to see how his performance will influence his draft stock.