Florida basketball guard Walter Clayton Jr. has been named a finalist for the prestigious John R. Wooden Award, given annually to the most outstanding player in college basketball.
Clayton, a senior and the engine that keeps the Gators running, has had a strong 2024-25 season. He's averaging 18.1 points, 3.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game while shooting 38.5% from beyond the arc.
Clayton's scoring ability, leadership and consistency helped guide Florida to a Final Four matchup against the Auburn Tigers in the 2025 NCAA Tournament.
Clayton transferred from Iona to Florida before his junior season and quickly established himself as one of the premier guards in the SEC. His ability to create his own shot, stretch defenses with his three-point shooting and lock down opponents defensively made him a standout on both ends of the floor.
Florida head coach Todd Golden continues to be amazed by Clayton's talent on the court, saying so after the Gators defeated the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the Elite Eight.
"You know, he's (Clayton) obviously a blessing to have in our program, have on our team," Golden said about Clayton in his postgame press conference. "He's an incredible player, but outside of that, he's a great leader. He's been everything we could have asked him to be for this program since he got to campus two years ago."
Clayton is the first Florida Gators basketball player to be named a finalist for the Wooden Award since Scottie Wilbekin in 2014.
The winner and top five All America Team members for women and men will be honored at the Los Angeles Athletic Club John R. Wooden Awards Show on Friday, April 11, at 8 p.m. ET. The show will be streaming on ESPN+.
John R. Wooden Award Men's All America Team
- Johni Broome (Auburn Tigers)
- Walter Clayton Jr. (Florida Gators)
- L.J. Cryer (Houston Cougars)
- Cooper Flagg (Duke Blue Devils)
- Kam Jones (Marquette Golden Eagles)
- Ryan Kalkbrenner (Creighton Bluejays)
- Chaz Lanier (Tennessee Volunteers)
- Mark Sears (Alabama Crimson Tide)
- Braden Smith (Purdue Boilermakers)
- John Tonje (Wisconsin Badgers)
John R. Wooden Award Finalists
- Johni Broome (Auburn Tigers)
- Walter Clayton Jr. (Florida Gators)
- Cooper Flagg (Duke Blue Devils)
- Mark Sears (Alabama Crimson Tide)
- Braden Smith (Purdue Boilermakers)
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