Florida guard Walter Clayton Jr. is drawing serious buzz ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft, with the basketball world labeling him “this year’s Jalen Brunson.” The 6’3″ senior has impressed scouts with his steady growth and resilience, honed through a multi-sport background that once saw him recruited for football.
Clayton began his college career at Iona under Hall of Famer Rick Pitino, earning 2023 MAAC Player of the Year and First-Team All-MAAC honors. As comparisons to New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson swirl, debate among analysts and fans continues to heat up.
Walter Clayton Jr. Being Lauded As “This Year’s Jalen Brunson” Ahead of 2025 NBA Draft
As the 2025 NBA Draft nears, Florida’s Walter Clayton Jr. is generating significant attention after Hoops Herald made a bold claim on X, stating, “Walter Clayton is this year’s Jalen Brunson…. NBA needs to value winning, regardless of age and measurables.”
Walter Clayton is this year’s Jalen Brunson
Experienced, skilled, HOOPER
Don’t be shocked when he continues to win and continues to produce at a high level
The NBA needs to value winning, regardless of age and measurables
(Via @League_Him 🎥)
— Hoop Herald (@TheHoopHerald) May 20, 2025
That statement has fueled widespread comparisons to New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson, prompting evaluators to take a deeper look at Clayton’s resume.
Clayton, a 6’2″ senior guard, guided Florida to its first national title game appearance since 2007. His standout NCAA Tournament run featured averages of 24.6 points per game while hitting 48.2% from deep, including a 30-point performance in the Final Four—something not accomplished since Carmelo Anthony in 2003.
Despite his production, draft experts haven’t placed him among lottery selections. Like Brunson in 2018, Clayton faces doubts due to age (22), physical profile (199 pounds, 6-foot-4 wingspan), and perceived athletic limitations. His vertical leap at the NBA Combine measured 37.0 inches, per Tankathon, but scouts still place him outside the top 14.
Still, supporters remain vocal. One fan on X noted, “Gonna be a steal for some smart team. I’d take him to replace FVV right now in Houston. Watched him since Iona. A former football star who helps him with strength and leadership. Best 3-ball shooter in this draft. Excels at late shot clock success, which is important in the NBA.”
Another simply added, “He [sic] way better, he [Steph] Curry 2.0.”
KEEP READING: Walter Clayton Jr. Opens Up About Mental Growth and NBA Draft Mindset at Combine
Florida head coach Todd Golden recently voiced his belief that Clayton should be selected in the first round, saying on FanDuel TV, “I think he is just a remarkable basketball player… You’re just getting a pro, a guy that is mature, a great guy; no trouble off the court. One of the best guys I’ve ever gotten to coach.”
Clayton’s collegiate path began under Rick Pitino at Iona, where he earned 2023 MAAC Player of the Year and First-Team All-MAAC honors before transferring to Florida.
In 2024–25, he averaged 18.3 points, 4.2 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.2 steals, shooting 38.6% from beyond the arc. His 713 total points set a single-season program record, ranking eighth nationally.
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