GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) - On Wednesday night, you will hear Gator star guard Walter Clayton Jr’s name announced.
Why? Because he was invited to the coveted “green room” at the Draft. Lately, Clayton has been projected to go in the first round.
According to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, he has the Gator point guard heading to Miami at No. 20. Clayton Jr. is one of the main reasons that the Gators brought home their third national title after defeating Houston in San Antonio, 65-63.
Bleacher Report thinks he stays in-state but goes at No. 25 to the Orlando Magic, who have quietly built a successful and young core with Paolo Banchero and the Wagner brothers. Recently, the Magic made headlines when they traded for Memphis three-point shooter Desmond Bane.
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During the NCAA tournament, the point guard averaged an eye-popping 22.3 points per game and always came up in the clutch when the Gators needed a spark or one of his three-point daggers from beyond the arc.
The Lake Wales native built his college legacy piece by piece when legendary basketball coach Rick Pitino called him during Pitino’s tenure at Iona. His success led him to Florida where he thrived under Todd Golden’s coaching staff becoming one of the top players in the nation.
Clayton Jr. told CBS Sports regarding his appreciation for everyone in his corner, “Just thankful for the people that have been in my life, and just thankful for the journey,”
And while one journey ends, another begins on Wednesday night.
Tune into the NBA Draft on Wednesday and Thursday at 8 pm on TV20.
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