Former Florida Gators guard Walter Clayton Jr. returned to Lake Wales this summer to run his first basketball camp, welcoming more than 80 youngsters to Lake Wales High School.
Homecoming and High School Legacy
The camp marked a homecoming for Clayton, who grew up in the town and led Lake Wales High to back‑to‑back state titles before his college career.
College Success and Coaching Influence
At Iona College, he played under Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino, helping the team capture an NCAA national title in his senior season before being selected in the first round of the NBA draft.
Rookie Year Reflections
In his rookie season with the Memphis Grizzlies, Clayton appeared in 69 games, averaging 7.8 points and 4.0 assists overall, but his production rose to 9.7 points and 5.7 assists when he logged at least 25 minutes per game.
A Culture Shock and a Trade
The jump from college to the NBA proved to be a culture shock, with the league’s relentless schedule and travel demands presenting new challenges. Mid‑season, he was part of a blockbuster trade that involved eight players and multiple draft picks, moving him to Memphis.
Focus on Growth
Now fully recovered from a summer knee sprain, Clayton says his top priorities are improving conditioning and decision‑making. He hopes to reclaim the aggressive style that defined his college play and to build on the lessons from his first NBA season.
As training camp opens on September 29, the former Gators standout is eager to contribute to the Grizzlies’ roster and to give back to the community that shaped him.