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ESPN Disrespects Florida in College Basketball Rankings Immediately After National Championship

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Mariano | Last updated Apr 8, 2025 8:24 AM ET

The last time Florida won the national championship in the NCAA Tournament in 2007, Walter Clayton Jr. was still probably sucking his thumb.

He was only four years old.

On Monday, the All-American guard, now 22 years old, was under the spotlight as he tried to lead the Gators past Houston for the much-coveted title.

He had zero points in the first half as the Cougars defense put him in a straitjacket. Clayton, however, sucked it up, stayed focused and scored when it mattered the most.

Florida climbed back from a 12-point deficit in the second half to survive Houston, 65-63. Clayton finished with 11 points, including a crucial three-pointer, five rebounds and seven assists.

With his laudable performance throughout the tournament, Clayton was named Most Outstanding Player, further boosting his stock in the upcoming NBA draft.

Losing the hotshot floor general will be huge for Florida. Based on ESPN's "way-too-early" college rankings for next season, released immediately after the national title game, the Gators are in the No. 19 spot.

"How will the Gators follow an incredible season?" wrote ESPN's Jeff Borzello. "It could depend on how Todd Golden rebuilds the perimeter.

"Walter Clayton Jr. is obviously the major departure, but Will Richard and Alijah Martin are also out the door."

Borzello noted that forward Alex Condon could also parlay his strong showing in the NCAA Tournament and "test the waters" in the NBA draft, leaving Florida with a depleted core.

"Thomas Haugh is a breakout candidate next season and Rueben Chinyelu is also back down low," added Borzello.

"Expect a much different projected lineup in the next update of these rankings."

According to him, Houston remains atop the list despite its bitter bridesmaid finish. It is followed by Purdue and Louisville, while the University of Connecticut and Michigan round out the top five.

Also in the top 10 are Kentucky, Arkansas, Duke, St. John and UCLA.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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