Walter Clayton Jr. and the Florida Gators are headed to the national championship game after another tremendous performance by the senior guard. Afterward, his teammates were asked to describe his play. They all agreed.
Walter Clayton Jr.’s Teammates in Agreement on How to Describe His Game
Clayton is on a legendary run in the 2025 NCAA Tournament.
The former Iona Gael has blossomed in his second season with the Florida Gators, averaging 18.1 points per game and emerging as a major threat from deep, shooting 38.5% from beyond the arc. Combine that with a quick first step that allows him to blow by defenders and get to the rim, and the Gators have an unstoppable force leading the charge.
In the tournament, he’s been even better.
Through five games, the 6’3″ Clayton is averaging 24.6 points per game and has made 19 of 39 attempts from 3-point range—good for 48.7%, an elite mark for a volume scorer.
Against Auburn on Saturday, the Florida senior scored 34 points on 11-of-18 shooting from the field and 5-of-8 from beyond the arc. He also hit all seven of his free throws.
Twenty of his points came in the second half, helping Florida rally from a nine-point halftime deficit. The Gators eventually won, 79–73, and are one win away from capturing the program’s first national title since 2007.
After the game, four Gators were selected for questions at the postgame press conference. Alongside Clayton sat fellow guards Will Richard and Alijah Martin and forward Thomas Haugh.
A reporter posed a question to Clayton’s teammates, asking how they would describe his game and the incredible run he’s on.
Walter Clayton Jr.’s teammates were asked to describe his game in one word.
They all came up with the same word. pic.twitter.com/ACqeItUooD
— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) April 6, 2025
“I think we’re all out of ways to describe his game. Specifically, can’t compare him to Steph Curry anymore because Steph never did it on this stage. What’s one word you would use to describe his game?”
After a moment of the three looking at one another, Richard spoke up.
“I would just say special, to be honest,” he said. “He’s special.”
Haugh agreed.
“Yeah, special.”
Finally, Martin added his take.
“Special.”
The room filled with laughter.
KEEP READING: NCAA Final Four Draws Huge Crowd: Fans Pack Stadium for a Historic Night in College Hoops
Despite the lighthearted moment, Clayton’s run has been anything but funny for Florida’s opponents, who have felt the wrath of his special shot-making, special competitiveness and—yes—his special drive to win.
Don’t miss a moment of March Madness! Download your 2025 NCAA Tournament printable bracket and stay on top of every game, matchup, and Cinderella story. Get yours now!
