Walter Clayton Jr. Shines as Green Room Invitee for 2025 NBA Draft

Sebring, Florida, USA - Walter Clayton Jr. is making waves as he gears up for the 2025 NBA Draft, and the excitement surrounding him is palpable. The former star guard for the Florida Gators has received a prestigious invitation to attend the NBA Draft green room with his family, an honor bestowed on just 24 elite prospects this year. As he prepares for this significant moment in Brooklyn on June 25, it’s hard not to reflect on a career that has already reached remarkable heights.

Walter’s journey began in Sebring, Florida, where he attended Lake Wales High School and later Bartow High School. It was here that he led his team to victory in the Florida Class 6A state championship during his freshman year. His prowess on the court soon captured the attention of scouts, earning him a four-star recruit status and a commitment to Iona College. At Iona, he was honored as the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Player of the Year in his sophomore year before deciding to make the leap to Florida for the 2023-24 season.

A Record-Breaking Season

The 2024-25 season proved to be a landmark one for Clayton Jr. He became a key player for the Gators, leading them to their third national championship and making history by scoring a program-record 713 points in a single season. His talent did not go unnoticed; he was awarded multiple accolades, including being named a Consensus First-Team All-American and First-Team All-SEC. Central to Florida’s success, he also picked up the SEC Tournament MVP award, along with being the Most Outstanding Player in both the West Regional and the Final Four.

Clayton showcased a versatile skill set that NBA teams have taken note of. He averaged an impressive 18.3 points, 4.2 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game, demonstrating his ability to play a multifaceted role on the court. Florida head coach Todd Golden has been vocal about the positive feedback he has received from NBA teams regarding Clayton’s prospects. He speculated that Clayton could be selected around the 10th to 12th pick, which would mark a significant achievement, as he could be the first Gator drafted this high since Tre Mann in 2021.

Skills and Comparisons

According to information from NBA.com, Clayton Jr. boasts exceptional outside shooting, hitting 38.6% of his 3-point attempts, combined with the ability to create his own shots. His playmaking skills shine, particularly in pick-and-roll situations and during fast breaks, allowing him to function as either a secondary playmaker or a primary ball-handler off the bench in the NBA. At 6-foot-3, he often draws comparisons to players like Coby White and Jordan Clarkson, showcasing his potential to excel at the next level.

As we look ahead to the draft, CBS Sports has released a final ranking of the top 100 prospects for 2025, which showcases the competitive nature of this year’s class. The top of the board features standout players such as Cooper Flagg from Duke and Dylan Harper from Rutgers, both of whom are expected to generate significant interest from teams. As Clayton Jr. joins this elite group, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how his talent translates to professional play

With a daughter named Leilani born in December 2023, Clayton Jr. carries not just his basketball ambitions but also family responsibilities as he steps into this next chapter. It’s clear that there’s something to be said for his journey, and potential awaits as the countdown to the 2025 NBA Draft continues.