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As Florida prepares for its Sweet 16 matchup against Maryland at Chase Center, home of the Golden State Warriors, guard Walter Clayton Jr. finds himself at the center of inevitable comparisons to Stephen Curry for his sharpshooting ability.
Clayton has emerged as one of college basketball's most dangerous perimeter threats this season, with a quick-release jumper and unlimited range that have drawn notice. His ability to create shots off the dribble and hit contested threes has fueled the Curry comparisons.
Florida coach Todd Golden offered a measured assessment of the similarities. "From a college perspective, the comparison makes sense in terms of his off-balance shooting and confidence to let it fly from deep," Golden said.
Florida head coach Todd Golden celebrates their win over Tennessee after the Southeastern Conference tournament championship at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, March 16, 2025. © Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Golden would also continue to sing Clayton's praises. He compared him to a different NBA All-Star who plays in New York.
"I think he plays a lot like Jalen Brunson as well, just kind of the way he can handle the ball, but get off it and get the ball back and be a playmaker, decision maker," Golden said. "He's done a great job setting up his teammates all year. and, you know, he's just turned into a really complete player, especially in the offensive end."
Clayton would be asked the same question during Wednesday's press conference, and he would give a modest answer. As well as being flattered about the comparison to one of the greatest players of all time.
Florida Gators guard Walter Clayton Jr. (1) dribbles the ball against the Tennessee Volunteers in the first half during the 2025 SEC Championship Game at Bridgestone Arena.Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
"I wouldn't compare myself to Steph - that's one of the greatest ever," Clayton told reporters Wednesday, downplaying the parallels. "Man, that's one of the greatest ever, if not the greatest point guard changed the game. But, you know, just thankful, you know, to kind of begin those comparisons and be compared to such a great player."
The players that play along side the First-Team All-American showed love to their star point guard. Teammate Will Richard endorsed the shooting comparison.
"We see him work out every day - he shoots at a very high level," Richard said. "The way he can get hot and change games with his shooting, you can see why people make that connection."
The Gators' Bay Area location for the regional semifinals adds another layer to the storyline, with Clayton set to play in the arena where Curry has built his NBA legacy. While the comparisons may be premature for a college player, Clayton's shooting prowess has been instrumental in Florida's tournament run. He has shot a total of 52.9% from behind the arch in his last two games during March Madness.
As the Gators chase a Final Four berth, Clayton's ability to stretch defenses with his deep range could prove decisive - whether or not he embraces the Curry comparisons.
Continue reading...
Clayton has emerged as one of college basketball's most dangerous perimeter threats this season, with a quick-release jumper and unlimited range that have drawn notice. His ability to create shots off the dribble and hit contested threes has fueled the Curry comparisons.
Florida coach Todd Golden offered a measured assessment of the similarities. "From a college perspective, the comparison makes sense in terms of his off-balance shooting and confidence to let it fly from deep," Golden said.
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Florida head coach Todd Golden celebrates their win over Tennessee after the Southeastern Conference tournament championship at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, March 16, 2025. © Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Golden would also continue to sing Clayton's praises. He compared him to a different NBA All-Star who plays in New York.
"I think he plays a lot like Jalen Brunson as well, just kind of the way he can handle the ball, but get off it and get the ball back and be a playmaker, decision maker," Golden said. "He's done a great job setting up his teammates all year. and, you know, he's just turned into a really complete player, especially in the offensive end."
Clayton would be asked the same question during Wednesday's press conference, and he would give a modest answer. As well as being flattered about the comparison to one of the greatest players of all time.
You must be registered for see images attach
Florida Gators guard Walter Clayton Jr. (1) dribbles the ball against the Tennessee Volunteers in the first half during the 2025 SEC Championship Game at Bridgestone Arena.Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
"I wouldn't compare myself to Steph - that's one of the greatest ever," Clayton told reporters Wednesday, downplaying the parallels. "Man, that's one of the greatest ever, if not the greatest point guard changed the game. But, you know, just thankful, you know, to kind of begin those comparisons and be compared to such a great player."
The players that play along side the First-Team All-American showed love to their star point guard. Teammate Will Richard endorsed the shooting comparison.
"We see him work out every day - he shoots at a very high level," Richard said. "The way he can get hot and change games with his shooting, you can see why people make that connection."
The Gators' Bay Area location for the regional semifinals adds another layer to the storyline, with Clayton set to play in the arena where Curry has built his NBA legacy. While the comparisons may be premature for a college player, Clayton's shooting prowess has been instrumental in Florida's tournament run. He has shot a total of 52.9% from behind the arch in his last two games during March Madness.
As the Gators chase a Final Four berth, Clayton's ability to stretch defenses with his deep range could prove decisive - whether or not he embraces the Curry comparisons.
Continue reading...
