After the Florida Gators’ stunning 65-63 victory over Houston in the 2025 NCAA National Championship, the spotlight naturally turned to Walter Clayton Jr., who was named the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player. But amid the celebration, one surprising moment off the court sparked a stir online, and it involved Florida’s beloved mascot, Albert the Alligator.
Walter Clayton Jr. and Albert the Alligator’s Hilarious Moment
Following the win in San Antonio, Clayton, who had his family with him courtside, was caught on camera shooing away Albert not once but twice as he tried to take a photo with his girlfriend, Tatiyana Burney, and their one-year-old daughter, Leilani.
The clip quickly made the rounds on social media, as fans debated whether Clayton was being rude or simply wanted a private moment to commemorate a career-defining win.
A tweet of the moment summed up the internet’s divided reactions.
Hilarious watching Walter Clayton Jr tell the Florida Gators mascot to get out of his family picture…hilarious. #NationalChampionship #NCAATournament #NCAA #NationalChampions #Florida #Gators #Houston #Cougars pic.twitter.com/qFLtz1ItOO
— Artie Schweitzer (@ArtieSchweitzer) April 8, 2025
Clayton’s on-court performance was anything but conventional. He went more than 25 minutes without scoring a single point, yet found his rhythm late in the game to help Florida claw back and upset the Cougars. He finished the title game with 11 points and seven assists, earning him the tournament’s highest individual honor.
His 2024-25 season was electric. He averaged 18.5 points per game and guided the Gators to an SEC Tournament championship. Clayton became the heartbeat of a team that was underestimated by many and ultimately ended up cutting down the nets.
Still, it was his quick dismissal of the mascot during the postgame celebration that stole some of the spotlight. While some labeled it disrespectful, others defended him, pointing out that after years of hard work and sacrifice, he just wanted a quiet family photo without any distractions, even if that meant politely pushing Albert the Alligator out of frame.
Clayton’s rise to basketball stardom didn’t follow a traditional path. A four-star football recruit out of high school, he fielded offers from Notre Dame, Florida State, Georgia, Nebraska, and even Florida for football. But he chose to follow his heart and pursue basketball, a decision that initially didn’t attract much attention from top-tier programs.
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Instead, he landed at Iona, where he played under Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino. After three strong seasons there, he transferred to Florida, where his basketball journey truly soared.
Now, with an NCAA title under his belt and projections placing him at No. 25 overall in the upcoming NBA Draft, possibly to the Orlando Magic, Walter Clayton Jr. is more than just a viral moment. He’s a champion, a rising NBA prospect, and a family man who proved this season that grit, patience, and heart can lead to greatness.
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