Walter Clayton Jr. Joins NCAA Greats Anthony Davis and Carmelo Anthony After Sensational 2024–25 Season

Walter Clayton Jr. simply wrapped up one of the crucial unforgettable runs in March Insanity historical past. From big-time scoring to a championship-winning defensive play, the Florida Gators star did all of it.

However what actually made his 2024–25 season particular? He joined an elite record of legends—Carmelo Anthony and Anthony Davis by profitable the Most Excellent Participant award. And that’s solely a part of the story.

MOP Honors Cement Clayton’s Legacy

Clayton Jr. wasn’t only a one-play marvel—he dominated the match from begin to end. His dominant play in March Insanity made him essentially the most deserving candidate for the 2025 MOP award.

WALTER CLAYTON JR. IS YOUR MOST OUSTANDING PLAYER 🏆

Joins a number of the biggest to ever do it 🐐 pic.twitter.com/FZTA8m0Tse

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 8, 2025

Other than the coveted award, his excellent gameplay additionally positioned him alongside NCAA legends Carmelo Anthony and Anthony Davis who gained the MOP in 2003 and 2012 respectively—an honor that cements his place in faculty basketball historical past.

He averaged 24.6 factors throughout 5 NCAA Match video games and went 11-for-11 from the free-throw line within the Remaining 4. He dropped a career-high 34 factors in opposition to Auburn Tigers within the semifinals and scored 64 factors over the ultimate two video games, turning into the primary participant since Larry Fowl to attain 30+ in back-to-back video games this deep in March Insanity.

Within the title recreation, he added 11 factors, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds, exhibiting his all-around influence. Over the complete season, Clayton Jr. averaged 18.5 factors, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.1 assists, making a robust case as one of many nation’s prime gamers.

Clayton Jr.’s Defensive Heroics Seal Florida’s Title

Clayton Jr. not solely led his staff to the championship finals but additionally performed an instrumental function in securing the third NCAA title for the Gators.

Florida’s championship hopes got here down to at least one remaining possession. Main 65-63, the Gators watched Houston Cougars’ Emanuel Sharp rise for a possible game-winning three-pointer. However Clayton Jr. had different plans. He flew in, pressured Sharp to hesitate, and prompted a turnover that teammate Alex Condon secured to seal the win.

Beforehand, the Gators stormed again from a 12-point second-half deficit, pulling off the third-largest comeback in NCAA title recreation historical past. The win gave Florida its third nationwide championship, whereas Houston dropped to 0-3 in championship video games, nonetheless with out a title after seven Remaining 4 appearances.

However even within the chaos of victory, Clayton Jr. confirmed grace. He walked over to a devastated Sharp, supplied a hug, and shared just a few variety phrases—a second that reminded followers what March Insanity is all about, and why Clayton was already essentially the most excellent participant, award or not.