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Walter Clayton Jr. Makes History With Latest Accomplishment

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jack Meyer | Last updated Mar 12, 2025 2:32 PM ET

The 2024-25 season has already proven to be nothing short of historic for Florida Gators senior guard Walter Clayton Jr. The Lake Wales native led UF to a 27-4 regular season record, their best finish since 2014, as well as a double-bye in this year’s SEC Tournament.

On Wednesday, however, Clayton Jr. earned arguably his most impressive nod to date. The 22-year-old guard, less than a week removed from his birthday on March 6, was named a first-team All-American by The Sporting News.

This makes Clayton Jr. the first Gator in program history to notch a first-team All-American nod, as well as the sixth to earn any kind of All-American honors. Previous Florida All-American honorees include five-time NBA All-Star Al Horford and 2014 NBA Defensive Player of the Year Joakim Noah, as well as Gator greats Neal Walk, Udonis Haslem and Scottie Wilbekin.

Clayton Jr. has already tallied a variety of other accolades this season as well. He was recently named First-Team All-SEC and a finalist for the Bob Cousy award, which is given to the best collegiate point guard in the nation on an annual basis.

Duke freshman forward Cooper Flagg, Auburn senior forward Johni Broom, Alabama senior guard Mark Sears and Purdue junior guard Braden Smith rounded out The Sporting News’ All-America First Team.

With the regular season now finished and March Madness right around the corner, Clayton Jr. and the Gators will return to the hardwood on Friday in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals. Florida will face either Missouri, Mississippi State or LSU.

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

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