In the span of less than three weeks, Florida guard Walter Clayton Jr. has risen from a projected second-round pick with promise to a sure first-round pick who may be a candidate to leap into the lottery discussion.

According to CBS Sports Mike Trotter, Florida is the first team in the modern era to win a national championship without a top-100 recruit. Although the Gators do not have a top of the draft level player on their team, Walter Clayton Jr. is the next closest thing.

Florida Gators star Walter Clayton Jr. became a breakout player in the 2025 men's NCAA Tournament. Here's what to know about the guard.