Walter Clayton Jr. withdraws from draft to return to Florida

Field Level Media|published: Mon 27th May, 18:12 2024

NCAA Basketball: NCAA Tournament First Round-Florida vs Colorado

Mar 22, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Florida Gators guard Walter Clayton Jr. (1) reacts in the second half against the Colorado Buffaloes in the first round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at Gainbridge FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Florida guard Walter Clayton Jr. withdrew from the NBA draft on Monday and will play another season in Gainesville, the university said.

After multiple reports indicated Clayton was coming back to Florida, the rising senior appeared to confirm it with a minute-long highlight clip posted to social media.

The deadline for early-entry prospects to withdraw from the NBA draft and retain college eligibility is Wednesday.

Clayton completed a strong first season at Florida after transferring from Iona last spring. Clayton averaged 17.6 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists over 36 games (all starts) for the Gators, who made the NCAA Tournament as a No. 7 seed. Clayton also made 93 3-pointers on a 36.5 percent clip.

In 100 college games (71 starts), he owns career averages of 14.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.2 steals per game, with a 38.5 percent rate from 3-point range and an 88.1 percent clip from the foul line.

Back at Florida, he will be the centerpiece of a backcourt with returning starter Will Richard and Alijah Martin, who is transferring in from Florida Atlantic.

--Field Level Media