Jay Williams compares Walter Clayton Jr. to Steph Curry after leading Florida to Final Four

ESPN’s Jay Williams compared Florida star Walter Clayton Jr. to Steph Curry with the way he plays. Yes, you read that right.

Clayton’s been very impressive for Florida, helping lead the Gators to the Final Four. But Williams took it a step further, saying the style reminded him of potentially the greatest shooter the NBA has ever seen.

If Clayton and Florida are national champions next week, perhaps we can revisit that comparison. Heck, if he keeps it going in the tournament and then in the NBA, Williams might smile ear to ear.

“Walter Clayton Jr., like, how many times do we need to watch a game where you’re like, ‘What are you doing? Yes, that’s what you’re doing,’” Williams said on SportsCenter. “And I’m not saying that he is. I’m not saying that his game will translate to the NBA the way this player’s game has, because this player is the most prolific shooter in the history of the game and maybe the greatest point guard in history of the game, but it reminds you of Steph Curry. 

“With the way he plays, he takes shots off the hip where either they’re contested or he gets the ball on the gap, pulls it back out, takes a three, you’re like, ‘What are you doing? He makes a shot. He is the reason for the 30 point game, why they are in the Final Four.”

In Florida’s comeback against Texas Tech, an 84-79 win to advance to the Final Four, Clayton went off. He put up 30 points, two rebounds and four assists.

Heck, Clayton was actually asked about the Curry comparisons following the game. He was humble in response.

“I mean, I don’t know,” Clayton said. ‘That’s arguably the greatest point guard in the history of basketball. I’ve got a ways to go. I wouldn’t quite compare myself yet. But just thankful for the recognition.”

Head coach Todd Golden couldn’t be more thankful to have Clayton leading the way. It’s a blessing, as he put it.

“You know, he’s obviously a blessing to have in our program, have on our team,” Golden said. “He’s an incredible player, but outside of that he’s a great leader. He’s been everything we could have asked him to be for this program since he got to campus two years ago. Obviously this year he’s taken on a lot more ball-handling responsibilities for us. He’s closed out a lot of games for us.

“And there’s not another player in America you would rather have right now than Walter Clayton with the ball in his hands in a big-time moment. As he said, I think he said he blacked out or whatever, he doesn’t get too high or too low. He does a great job controlling his emotions.”