Walter Clayton Jr. left it all on the floor, could be back for more
INDIANAPOLIS — Walter Clayton Jr. thought history was about to repeat itself Friday in Florida’s first-round matchup against Colorado. The All-SEC guard hit a game-tying 3-pointer with 9 seconds left and it looked like Kentucky all over again, when he forced for overtime with another last-second trey.
“I was hoping it was going to be,” Clayton said. “But Simpson made the shot at the end. That’s how it went.”
Colorado’s K.J. Simpson hit a game-winning shot out of a timeout to give the Buffaloes a 102-100 win, although there was a no call on Simpson’s push off on the last play.
Clayton put his jersey over his head as coaches and players consoled him on the court. He scored the Gators’ final 16 points to rally them from a 13-point deficit with 4:28 left.
Clayton hit two 3-pointers in the final minute, including a deep shot from the March Madness logo to even the score at 100.
“We never gave up. We just kept fighting, kept fighting. But it ended how it ended,” Clayton said. “It was rough. Obviously, it hurt. This ain’t how we wanted it to go. So, it’s just tough.”
Clayton finished with a career-high 33 points, the second-most in Florida NCAA Tournament history behind only KeVaughn Allen’s 35 in the 2017 Sweet 16 vs. Wisconsin.
It also marks his first 30-point game as a Gator and the second of his career. Clayton scored 20 or more points in 15 games this season, leading the team in scoring (17.1 PPG).
“Walt is a fantastic player. Got a lot of heart, got a lot of belief,” UF coach Todd Golden said after the Colorado loss. “He believed the whole time that we could get back in the game. Did a great job attacking the rim late, obviously hit that big three to tie it up. He’s a stud, man. He’s a Gator. We’re fortunate to have him.”
Clayton was one of four transfer starters who joined the 2023-24 team and helped lead the Gators to their best season years. He finished with 633 points, which ranks No. 5 in Florida history.
Clayton also extended his free throw streak to 42 on Friday before missing his last attempt, tying Canyon Barry’s school record (set in 2016-17) for most consecutive free throws made.
“It means a lot,” Clayton said of this season. “I hope it means a lot to everybody. I think it does. Just coming back and trying to build something here. This is kind of a stepping stone to keep on moving forward.”
Friday was the final game for graduate transfers Zyon Pullin and Tyrese Samuel, but Clayton and Will Richard are both juniors with a year of eligibility remaining.
Clayton will have some pro prospects after his record-setting season as a scorer in the SEC, but he hasn’t decided on his future yet.
“Nah,” he said. “I’m going to go back home and be with my family probably for a few weeks. And then, I don’t know what’s next.”
Clayton has now played in two NCAA Tournaments, losing in the Round of 64 with Iona last year. Does the way Friday’s game ended make him hungry to come back for more?
“For sure,” he said. “I’ve never won in March. So, that’s like a horrible feeling. Obviously, we want to win some games.”
