Walter Clayton Jr. withdraws from draft to return to Florida

Florida guard Walter Clayton Jr. has decided to withdraw from the NBA draft and will return to play another season at Gainesville, the university announced. After speculation about Clayton’s return circulated, the senior confirmed it with a highlight clip shared on social media. The deadline for early-entry prospects to withdraw from the NBA draft and maintain college eligibility is Wednesday. Clayton had an impressive first season at Florida after transferring from Iona last year. He averaged 17.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 36 games (all starts) for the Gators, who reached the NCAA Tournament as a No. 7 seed. Clayton also made 93 3-pointers with a 36.5 percent shooting percentage. In 100 college games (71 starts), he has career averages of 14.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.2 steals per game, shooting 38.5 percent from 3-point range and 88.1 percent from the foul line. With his return to Florida, he will be a key player in the backcourt alongside returning starter Will Richard and incoming transfer Alijah Martin from Florida Atlantic. –Field Level Media