Walter Clayton Jr. facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Walter Clayton Jr.

Clayton with Florida in 2023
No. 4 – Memphis Grizzlies
Point guard / shooting guard
Personal information
Born	(2003-03-06) March 6, 2003 (age 23) Sebring, Florida, U.S.
High school	Lake Wales (Lake Wales, Florida) Bartow (Bartow, Florida)
Listed height	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Listed weight	195 lb (88 kg)
Career information
College	Iona (2021–2023) Florida (2023–2025)
NBA Draft	2025 / Round: 1 / Pick: 18th overall
Selected by the Washington Wizards
Pro career	2025–present
League	NBA
Career history
2025–2026	Utah Jazz
2025	→Salt Lake City Stars
2026–present	Memphis Grizzlies
Career highlights and awards
NCAA champion (2025) NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player (2025) Consensus first-team All-American (2025) SEC Male Athlete of the Year (2025) First-team All-SEC (2025) Second-team All-SEC (2024) SEC Tournament MVP (2025) MAAC Player of the Year (2023) First-team All-MAAC (2023)

Walter Marterry Clayton Jr. was born on March 6, 2003. He is an American professional basketball player. He currently plays for the Memphis Grizzlies in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Before joining the NBA, Walter played college basketball for the Iona Gaels and the Florida Gators. While playing for Florida, he became a top college player. In 2025, he was named an All-American. He also won the Final Four Most Outstanding Player (MOP) award. This was after he helped lead Florida to win the national championship.

Early Life and High School Basketball Journey

Walter Clayton Jr. was born in Sebring, Florida. His birthday is March 6, 2003. His parents were also athletes. His mom, Cherie Ann Quarg, played softball and basketball. His dad, Walter Clayton Sr., played basketball and football.

When Walter was 10, his family moved to Lake Wales, Florida. He first went to Lake Wales High School. There, he played both football and basketball. In his second year, he scored about 17.5 points per game. He also grabbed five rebounds and made 3.2 assists per game.

After his second year, Walter moved to Bartow High School. In his first year at Bartow, he was amazing. He averaged 15.4 points, 4.3 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.3 steals per game. His team, the Yellow Jackets, won the Florida Class 6A state championship.

Many colleges wanted Walter to play for them. He chose to play college basketball for Iona. He had also received offers from other schools. Interestingly, some people thought he was even better at football. He started playing football in high school because his friend, Gervon Dexter, encouraged him. Big universities like Florida and Notre Dame offered him a chance to play football.

College Basketball Success

Walter started his college career at Iona. In his first year, he scored 7.3 points per game. By his second year, he became a star. He was named the MAAC Player of the Year. That season, he averaged 16.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game.

After his great season at Iona, Walter decided to transfer. He joined the Florida Gators. He had also thought about playing for St. John's. This would have reunited him with his old coach, Rick Pitino.

In his first year with Florida, Walter continued to shine. He averaged 17.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists. He was also named Second-Team All-SEC. He helped the Gators reach the SEC Tournament Championship. This was their first time in 10 years. He also led them to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 3 years. In the 2024 NCAA Tournament, he scored 33 points in a memorable game against Colorado.

After the 2023–24 season, Walter thought about joining the NBA. He declared for the NBA Draft. However, he decided to return to Florida for his final year. This turned out to be one of the best seasons in Florida basketball history.

During his senior year, Walter led Florida to an amazing 27–4 record. He averaged 17.2 points, 4.3 assists, and 3.8 rebounds. He helped Florida beat top teams like No. 1 Tennessee and No. 1 Auburn. Beating a No. 1 team on their home court was a first for Florida! The team achieved its best record in 11 years. Walter was named a first-team All-SEC player. On March 18, 2025, he was also named a first-team All-American.

Walter then led the Gators to win the national championship. He made a key defensive play at the end of the game. This helped his teammate Alex Condon get the ball. This secured Florida's third national championship ever. It was their first since 2007. Walter was named the Most Outstanding Player (MOP) of the tournament. After this incredible season, he was named the SEC Male Athlete of the Year. He was the first Florida basketball player to ever receive this award.

Joining the NBA: Professional Career

On June 25, 2025, Walter Clayton Jr. was chosen in the 2025 NBA draft. The Washington Wizards picked him as the 18th player overall. Soon after, he was traded to the Utah Jazz. He officially signed with the Jazz on July 2, 2025.

During the 2025–26 NBA season, Walter played in 45 games for Utah. He averaged 6.8 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game.

On February 3, 2026, Walter was part of a big trade. He, along with other players, moved to the Memphis Grizzlies. In return, the Jazz received other players and draft picks. Walter made his first game appearance for the Grizzlies on February 6. He scored 11 points, had three rebounds, four assists, and one steal.

Personal Life

Walter Clayton Jr. has a family. He and his girlfriend, Tatiyana Burney, welcomed a daughter in December 2023.

Career Statistics

Here are some of Walter Clayton Jr.'s college basketball statistics. These numbers show how well he played in different areas of the game.

College Performance