Legacies Cemented

Walter Clayton Jr., Will Richard and Alijah Martin have cemented themselves as Florida Gators legends with Florida’s National Championship win over Houston last night. Todd Golden and his staff did an incredible job of putting this team together in 3 years. Guys like Rueben Chinyelu, Denzel Aberdeen, Alex Condon and Thomas Haugh were definitely instrumental for this team, but it started with the leadership of Clayton, Richard and Martin.

When Todd Golden came to Florida from San Francisco, the first commitment he gained from the transfer portal was from Will Richard. The 6’4” 205 pound native from Fairburn, Georgia transferred in from Belmont after his freshman season where he was known as a terrific 3 point shooter. When he got to Florida, he developed into a really good defender while continuing to add to his offensive arsenal. I wouldn’t be surprised if he earned an opportunity from the NBA as a 3 point specialist.

Walter Clayton Jr. played for Rick Pitino at Iona for 2 years. When Pitino took the job at St. John’s, Clayton decided to enter the transfer portal, and naturally St. John’s was one of the schools that were after him. Clayton also played football in high school and was heavily recruited by the likes of Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, West Virginia and Southern Miss. He ultimately chose to play basketball, and clearly it’s working out for him. Todd Golden and the Florida Gators were also heavily pursuing the 6’3” 195 pound native from Lake Wales, Florida. What helped put Florida over the top was the vision that Golden laid out for him. The Gators needed a leader at the point guard position and he was exactly the type of player they were looking for. He also had another reason to stay close to home: his daughter Leilani. Clayton developed into the best point guard in the country and a lethal shooter. He has a chance to be a lottery pick in this year’s NBA Draft. I’m being biased when I say this, but as a Miami Heat fan, I’d love to see him with Erik Spoelstra and the system they run.

Alijah Martin was the most important pickup for Todd Golden in last year’s recruiting/transfer portal cycle. The 6’2” 220 pound Summit, Mississippi native transferred in from Florida Atlantic, where he played in the Final Four in 2023 against San Diego State. The experience and leadership that he brought was undeniable. Martin was a key piece from the moment he stepped on campus. His defense, ability to get to the basket and 3 point shooting helped turn Florida into one of the nation’s best offensive and defensive teams in the country. The steal and dunk he had in the Final Four game against Auburn changed that entire game. Whatever NBA team gets him is getting a leader, hard worker and a proven winner.

Walter Clayton Jr. was the best player out of the senior trio, and will go down as one of the greatest players in Florida basketball history, but Will Richard and Alijah Martin helped elevate this team into a National Championship winner as well. They’re gonna be missed next season, but I have no doubt that Todd Golden will continue to recruit well and keep Florida in contention for National Championships for years to come.

Stay tuned to FloFactory.com for more on the Florida Gators.