What does Walter Clayton Jr. bring to Florida basketball?

Florida basketball is scorching hot in the transfer portal. After landing the commitment of Micah Handlogten yesterday, the Gators got their point guard of the future to pledge to UF this morning.

Iona guard transfers Walter Clayton Jr. announced that he’d be continuing his career with Todd Golden and the Gators.

The Gators had Clayton on campus for a visit a few weeks ago and beat out St. John’s, where Walter’s former coach Rick Pitino is, for Clayton’s services.

Walter is originally from Lake Wales, Florida, so he’s coming back to his home state to continue playing.

Walter is entering his third year in the college ranks this season, and looks to continue improving on his game as he makes the transition to the SEC.

As a freshman with the Gaels, he only played 16 minutes per game, scoring just over seven points per game.

But with his sophomore year came more minutes, and he showed everyone that he deserved the increased playing time.

Last season he scored 16.8 points per game, grabbed 4.3 rebounds per game, and dished out 3.2 assists per game.

Perhaps the most valuable tool he brings to the Gators is his three-point shooting. Florida couldn’t buy a long ball last season, but Clayton comes in as a 43.1% three-point shooter, as well as a very impressive 95.3% free throw shooter.

Both of those numbers are way up from his freshman year as well, his three-point number up from 35.7%, and his free throws up from 78.7%.

Showing his ability to improve on his game and work hard to become a better player is what made him so appealing for Golden and the Gators out of the portal.

That kind of work ethic is contagious and can affect everyone in the locker room.

Clayton is bringing a high level of play, and a high level of leadership to a Gator team that needs it really badly.

He’ll be one of, if not the best player in Gainesville next season.

Keep up with Florida basketball at Hail Florida Hail.