The March Madness has reached its endgame, and the final drama is set to unfold tomorrow. High stakes, one will end victorious, the other will leave with ‘we will come back stronger ‘cries. But this is also the stage for future prospects, and we’ve already witnessed two incredible games of basketball in the final four. Moreover, we are seeing future NBA stars in the making compete against each other. One such star could be Florida Gators’ point guard, Walter Clayton Jr. Remember the name! Well, you don’t have to take our word for it. The front of the Alamodome on Saturday hosted the likes of Mike Krzyzewski, Hakeem Olajuwon, Dwight Howard and Carmelo Anthony. But when Clayton Jr. led the charge in his team’s 79-73 victory over Auburn, the crowd filled with ‘legends’ was left in awe.
The Florida star’s stellar 34-point effort was a back-to-back 30-plus point performance. The 6-foot-3 point guard became the first player to score 30-plus points both in the Elite Eight and Final Four in the NCAA Tournament since Larry Bird did it in 1979. This meteoric rise of Clayton Jr. is drawing a lot of attention now. In a recent ESPN broadcast from San Antonio, with the iconic Alamo as a backdrop, several analysts were full of praise for the Gators’ newest superstar. Everyone raved about his tremendous scoring form, but also his dazzling playmaking abilities. Rightly so! Clayton Jr. has been incredible throughout Florida’s run to the National Championship game.
Amidst this, ESPN’s analyst and former Duke star, Jay Williams, put forward his expectations for Walter Clayton Jr. this summer. “Over the last two days, I’ve probably talked about six or seven scouts, and a lot of scouts are starting to firmly believe that he could crack the top 10. I have to tell you that from watching him up close, I can make a case that he could be the second or third pick in the NBA draft.” Williams stated.
The former Chicago Bulls star suggested that he sees Clayton Jr. as the 2nd or 3rd pick in this season’s NBA Draft. That’s massive praise coming from Williams. While most of the analysts and experts tip Rutgers Dylan Harper or his teammate Ace Bailey to clinch the 2nd or 3rd pick, Williams has come up with an interesting take as Clayton Jr. displays what he can be on the big stage. But was he even the talk of the town before the Madness?
NCAA, College League, USA Basketball: Florida at Arkansas Jan 11, 2025 Fayetteville, Arkansas. USA Florida Gators guard Walter Clayton Jr. 1 drives against Arkansas Razorbacks guard Boogie Fland 2 during the second half at Bud Walton Arena. Florida won 71-63. Fayetteville Bud Walton Arena Arkansas USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xNelsonxChenaultx 20250111_gma_sc6_0023
That’s because before the March Madness tipped off, no one had Walter Clayton Jr. at the top of their draft boards. Barely a few would’ve predicted him to be a first-round pick. However, his incredible performances throughout this tournament have everyone talking about the Gators’ point guard. Clayton Jr. has played a key role in his team’s fantastic run to the National Championship Final, including wins over some of the best teams in the country. He’s impressed several scouts, and while it remains to be seen where he lands in the 2025 NBA Draft. Another bold claim by Jay Williams might just boost his draft stock even more.
Jay Williams compares Florida’s Walter Clayton Jr. to two NBA superstars
College years become very important for hoopers as they set the direction of their NBA dream. So, despite having a great 2023-24 season, Florida’s point guard, Walter Clayton Jr., returned to the Gators in the hope of boosting his draft stock. Well, by the looks of it, it might be the best decision the 22-year-old has ever made! Clayton had another great year this time around. However, it wasn’t until he burst onto the stage at the NCAA Tournament. Clayton Jr. is averaging 24.6 points so far and has become one of the stars of March Madness. He’s coming off back-to-back 30-plus-point performances. Moreover, he’s knocking down threes like Chef Curry. Clayton Jr. is shooting a spectacular 48.7 percent from deep.
Seeing this incredible shooting from the 22-year-old point guard, ESPN’s Jay Williams made a bold comparison. “I know Dylan Harper. I know Ace Bailey. They have a ton of talent, but the run this guy’s on, the shots he makes combine Dame Lillard with Steph Curry. I’m not saying he’s going to reach the pinnacle of who those players are, but his game to me, it seems like a marriage between the two.” Williams said. The former NBA star compared Clayton’s elite shooting ability to arguably two of the best shooters of all time, Stephen Curry and Damian Lillard. Not just that! But he called the Gators’ point guard a mix of the two NBA superstars. That’s as good as a compliment could ever be.
Jay Williams says Walter Clayton Jr.’s game is like a marriage between Damian Lillard and Steph Curry
“I could make a case that he could be the second or third pick in the NBA draft.”
( @GetUpESPN )
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— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 7, 2025
Jay Williams believes this doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll be as good as the two future Hall of Famers. However, even if he’s able to do things anywhere near Curry or Lillard’s abilities, Walter Clayton Jr. will do just fine in the NBA. The 6-foot-3 point guard has great athleticism, shooting, and playmaking ability. While he was overlooked due to his size out of high school, the 22-year-old has worked his way up after spending two years at Iona before coming to Florida. He’s been spectacular, especially from beyond the arc. So, if he produces another great performance, he will be on the radar of a lot of NBA teams. Had he turned pro last year, he’d be a late second-round pick. Now? The sky is the limit.
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