Walter Clayton Jr., following a standout senior year at Florida, is making waves at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine—not only for his elite skill set but for his honest reflections on personal growth. Clayton tied for the most makes in the spot-up shooting drill, drawing praise from scouts and proving he’s both physically and mentally prepared for the leap to the professional level.
Walter Clayton Jr. Talks Mindset, Delivers Standout Performance at NBA Combine
Walter Clayton Jr. made a significant impression at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine, not just with his sharp shooting, but also through his transparent insights into his mental development and transition from college to the pros.
The Florida guard drew attention in Chicago with a scorching shooting display, hitting 17 of 25 attempts in the three-point star drill—a performance that matched Tennessee’s Chaz Lanier and trailed only Missouri’s Tamar Bates and Gonzaga’s Ryan Nembhard, who led the drill with 19 makes.
While impressive, Clayton truly shined during the spot-up shooting segment, where he buried 20 of 25 shots to tie for the most makes in the event.
In off-the-dribble shooting, he converted 20 of 30 attempts. Though solid, his score was topped by others, including Mark Sears of Alabama, who hit 26 of 30. Clayton also shot 16-of-27 in the three-point slide drill, finishing 12th in that category. He was perfect at the line, however, going 10-for-10 on free throws—echoing his career 88% mark from the stripe.
Clayton, who averaged 18.3 points per game for Florida while connecting on over 38% from beyond the arc, elevated his play during March Madness. The senior scored 22.3 points per contest in six NCAA Tournament games, including consecutive 30-point outings in the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight.
In a combine interview, Clayton reflected on his journey and evolving mentality. When asked about the toughest SEC opponent he faced, he said, “Last year, man, Don Connect, he was… he gave us 39. So, I’ll say him.”
He credited his consistent mindset over the years:
“I wouldn’t say no difference in mentality. Obviously, work every day, stay where you at, be present in the moment, and just keep on working.”
On the possibility of being drafted by the Wizards, he remarked, “If I was blessed, you know, to be drafted by them, be great. Come in, work from day one.”
Asked about what goes under the radar in his game, Clayton answered, “I think I’m a pretty good playmaker… making passes and things like that… thinking to go to another level with NBA spacing.”
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Speaking on his growth from Iona to Florida, he said, “Over my years, I think I’ve gotten different things that I’ve needed… mentally helped me grow into a space where I’m comfortable at now, and I feel like I’m ready for anything.”
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