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For the second day in a row, the Florida Gators added a key piece to its men’s basketball team through the transfer portal.
Former Iona guard Walter Clayton Jr. announced his commitment to the University of Florida Tuesday morning, making him the 10th scholarship player on the Gators’ 2023-24 roster. Clayton’s decision is not only significant because it’s a new name for Gator Nation to learn, but he also chose UF over St. John’s, which is where his old coach Rick Pitino is now.
The SEC is obviously appealing, but Clayton’s commitment — along with the additions of big men EJ Jarvis and Micah Handlogten — signals that top transfer players are open to joining what Todd Golden and Co. have going in Gainesville.
Of course, Florida lost several players of its own through the portal, which has left an incredible amount of minutes to replace. Playing time in an elite conference is always enticing.
COMMITTED
@GatorsMBK pic.twitter.com/kq4H5BchbT— Walter Clayton Jr .
(@w1clayton) April 11, 2023
Clayton averaged 16.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists for the Gaels last season and won the MAAC Player of the Year Award. The name of the game for Clayton is scoring, and he does it efficiently. He shot well over 40.0% from three-point range last season and is a 95.3% shooter at the stripe.
Florida is adding a smart player that usually puts up good shots and makes the right decision. He’ll help space the floor for the bigs on the team and be the second option to Riley Kugel out wide often.
A starting five of Clayton, Kugel, Will Richard, Alex Fudge and Handlogten seems realistic at this point, with Denzel Aberdeen, Jarvis and Alex Szymczyk all fighting for minutes off the bench.
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By: David Rosenberg
Title: Gators add Iona G Walter Clayton Jr. through transfer portal
Sourced From: gatorswire.usatoday.com/2023/04/11/florida-basketball-walter-clayton-transfer-commitment/
Published Date: Tue, 11 Apr 2023 19:47:41 +0000
