Florida basketball just had its most meaningful NBA Draft night in more than a decade.
Fresh off a remarkable run to the 2025 National Championship, the Gators’ senior backcourt of Walter Clayton Jr., Alijah Martin, and Will Richard all heard their names called this week, marking a historic moment for a program that had been quiet on draft night in recent years.
This is only the second time in school history that three or more Florida players have been selected in the same draft, and the first time since 2007.
Who Drafted Walter Clayton Jr., Alijah Martin, and Will Richard in the 2025 NBA Draft?
Walter Clayton Jr. was the first to go, selected 18th overall by the Utah Jazz after they acquired the pick from the Washington Wizards.
The All-American guard carried the Gators through the NCAA Tournament, scoring 134 points across six games. That is the most by any player in a single tournament since Kemba Walker in 2011. Clayton also earned SEC Tournament MVP and first-team All-SEC honors, cementing his place as one of the most impactful players in program history.
The next night, Alijah Martin was selected 39th overall in the second round by the Toronto Raptors. Known for his toughness and consistency, Martin averaged 14.4 points and 2.2 assists while shooting 36 percent from three. He brought leadership, defense, and timely scoring throughout the season and was often viewed as the emotional anchor of Florida’s championship group.
Florida’s entire starting backcourt has been drafted 🐊
Walter Clayton Jr – Pick 18, Jazz
Alijah Martin – Pick 39, Raptors
Will Richard – Pick 56, Warriors
Best backcourt in the country 🔥 pic.twitter.com/xia8jAKNoa
— Florida Gators 🐊🔥 (@gatorsszn) June 27, 2025
Will Richard completed the trio when he was picked 56th overall by the Memphis Grizzlies, who later traded his rights to the Golden State Warriors.
His journey was less conventional. Richard, the first transfer commit under head coach Todd Golden, was not invited to the combine or greenroom. Still, he played his way into draft consideration with a strong year, averaging 13.3 points and 1.9 assists while shooting 36 percent from beyond the arc. His poise, shooting ability, and high basketball IQ made him a crucial part of Florida’s title run.
This is the first time Florida has had multiple teammates drafted since Tre Mann and Scottie Lewis in 2021. More significantly, Clayton, Martin, and Richard now join the elite company of Florida’s legendary 2007 class. That year, five Gators were selected: Al Horford, Corey Brewer, Joakim Noah, Chris Richard, and Taurean Green.
Keep Reading: WATCH: Walter Clayton Jr.’s Adorable Daughter Steals Show at 2025 NBA Draft After Jazz Select National Champion
For Clayton, Martin, and Richard, their next challenge begins now, as they look to bring that same competitive edge to the professional stage.
