Now that he’s secured a national championship with the Florida Gators, Walter Clayton Jr. is ready to make the leap to the NBA. The star guard made it clear to TMZ Sports that he’s fully focused on the next step in his career, promising that any team that selects him in this summer’s draft will be getting “a winning player.”
Clayton Jr. made the statement during a ceremonial shift at a Raising Cane’s in Gainesville, Florida, alongside teammates Thomas Haugh and Alijah Martin. While dishing out chicken tenders and chatting with fans, the young guard expressed his confidence in his ability to contribute to any NBA team that calls his name in June’s draft.
“I’m Just Worried About Winning”
Clayton Jr. emphasized that his primary focus is on helping his future team succeed, saying he is “whatever you need me to be for the team.” His dedication to winning was evident as he continued, “I’m just worried about winning.” This mindset is likely to resonate with NBA teams looking for a player who can step in and make an immediate impact, whether as a starter or key role player.
From Projected Second-Round Pick to First-Round Contender
Before Florida’s stunning NCAA tournament run, Clayton Jr. was projected to be a second-round pick. However, his performance during the tournament catapulted him into the spotlight, with many experts now projecting him to go in the first 15 picks of the draft. His standout performances on the biggest stage have left NBA scouts impressed, and now his draft stock has significantly risen.
Clayton Jr. mentioned that he will begin focusing on the draft process next week, where he will likely fine-tune his game, attend workouts, and meet with teams. However, he’s taking a moment to savor the victory with his teammates and soak in the joy of winning the championship.
Enjoying the Moment Before the NBA
While he’s certainly excited about the NBA draft, Clayton Jr. isn’t rushing to move on just yet. He admitted that he’s going to enjoy his championship win for a few more days, continuing to celebrate with his teammates. As they dish out a few chicken tenders together at Raising Cane’s, it’s clear that Clayton Jr. is enjoying the moment, but his sights are set firmly on the NBA.
For now, fans will have to wait until June to see where the talented point guard lands in the draft, but one thing is for sure—Walter Clayton Jr. is ready to bring his winning mentality to the next level.
