Walter Clayton Jr. shares key to his success against Kentucky

Walter Clayton Jr. erupted for Florida, specifically from behind the three-point line, in the Gators’ win at Kentucky on Wednesday. He did so by taking advantage of the Wildcats’ poor defense, especially from the younger members of their backcourt.

Clayton Jr. discussed what allowed him to have such a good game again against Kentucky at the mic following the 94-91 win for Florida in overtime. He noted the inexperience of the opponents who were tasked with guarding him as he found it easy to get himself open in various ways on the perimeter.

“They’re a little young,” Clayton Jr. said. “They was jumping at a lot of shot fakes. For me? Using my pump fake, letting them pass, and then getting a shot off.”

Clayton Jr. also credited his teammates for helping him stay hot by getting him the ball for attempts.

“Just shoutout to my teammates, especially (Zyon Pullin) just finding me in my spot,” said Clayton Jr..

Clayton Jr. finished with a team-high of 23 points for Florida in the victory in Lexington. All seven of his makes were from deep and were good for a new career-high. It was clearly a focus for him offensively with all but one of his attempts coming from behind the line. That was good for a 50% mark overall and a finish at 53.8% from three on the night.

While the other five makes were big as well, Clayton Jr. hit the two biggest of the night. The first came with three seconds left in regulation as he tied it at 84 and sent it to overtime. That came off an assist from Pullin where he pump-faked on Reed Sheppard before nailing it.

Then, in overtime, Clayton Jr. passed it off and then relocated to the corner. Riley Keugel then gave it back to him before he turned, fired, and laced his seventh and final triple. That one put Florida back up by two with just over a minute and a half left. It would also give Florida the lead for good as they went on to take it by three.

Clayton Jr. is now averaging 16.2 points points per game as the Gators’ leading scorer on the season. That includes nine straight games in double-figures with the 23 being a tie for the third-most for him in his first campaign in Gainesville. Two of those double-digit came against UK in January. He averaged 23 points on five threes a game while shooting 45.6% from the field and 40.6% from three in two games versus Kentucky.

Clayton Jr. was the latest player to give the Wildcat defense fits with how well he shot it en route to helping his team to steal one in Rupp Arena. It was just the latest great outing for the transfer, though, considering the level that he has played at for the Gators this season.