Walter Clayton reveals new details about choosing Todd Golden, Florida over Rick Pitino, St. John's

Walter Clayton spent two years at Iona, both of which saw Rick Pitino lead the program. The second season saw the Gaels make the NCAA Tournament thanks to Clayton’s great scoring, averaging a team-high 16.8 points per game. His next logical move was a high-major program and the option of following Pitino was there.

Pitino stayed local with St. John’s, hoping to bring Clayton to New York City with him. He admits the original plan was to play for the Johnnie’s when entering the NCAA transfer portal. But after returning home to see family, Florida entered the race and ended up having the ultimate tiebreaker.

“Whenever [Pitino] went to St. John’s, I was definitely thinking about that,” Clayton said Monday on The Paul Finebaum Show. “And honestly, that was really the plan. But ended up having a little change. Went home to Florida to visit the family. It was a great environment, they made a great plan, felt like family. And then my daughter, she was due. That was kind of another decision, felt like I needed to be back closer to home to be with my family and be with my girl. It was a great decision.”

The move wound up working out pretty well for both sides, especially this season. Florida turned into one of college basketball’s best teams, earning a one-seed in the NCAA Tournament. Two wins have sent them to the Sweet Sixteen for the first time since 2017.

For Clayton personally, he has thrived under Todd Golden‘s guidance. He was named a first-team All-American this season after averaging 17.9 points per game while shooting 44.6% from the field and 38.7% from three. Wins against Norfolk State and UConn have seen Clayton put up 23 points in both.

Pitino likely would have enjoyed Clayton’s shooting ability on this year’s St. John’s roster. They ranked No. 347 in three-point percentage throughout the season, one of the worst out there. In the Arkansas loss, the Red Storm were 28% from the field and only made two of 22 attempts from deep.

Ultimately, family is what will trump all when making decisions. Clayton was no different as the Bartow, FL native decided playing in Gainesville was the right choice for him. Competing for a national championship this season only validates playing for the Gators, being two wins away from a Final Four and four from cutting down nets in San Antonio.