Walter Clayton Jr. led Florida to the University’s first NCAA title win since 2007. Back then, the team featured multiple NBA players, including Al Horford, Joakim Noah, and Corey Brewer.
Among those in attendance for their title was Horford, who is not only still in the NBA but is also coming off his first NBA title with the Boston Celtics.
Al Horford Praises Florida & Walter Clayton Jr. After NCAA Title
Horford caught up with NBC Sports’ John Fanta, where he praised Florida for what they accomplished and how they accomplished it.
Two-time national champion at Florida, 2024 NBA champion and 5-time All Star Al Horford joins me after his Gators won the national championship: pic.twitter.com/VxYExjt32R
— John Fanta (@John_Fanta) April 8, 2025
“It’s unreal. I’m so proud of these Gator boys and Gator nation. Just so happy for the University for getting that third national championship, putting basketball back at the top again,” Horford said. “…This team is gritty. Coach Golden kept them believing, and they found a way. Looking from afar, I’m just so proud of how composed they were. And in the tournament, to do this, three games like that, it’s very difficult. You don’t see that very often.”
Horford then went on to praise Clayton for his approach to Florida’s most pivotal game of the season.
“He’s such a smart player,” Horford said. “He’s a team player. He understood that they were going to double him. He needed to get his guys, so we he was looking to pass early, and then he took his moments late and scored some big baskets for us. So he’s just a winner. He knows how to play.”
He also commented on Clayton’s future in the NBA, including the possibility of becoming teammates.
“I know I’m going to be playing against him next year in the pros, in the NBA, so maybe he’ll be with us, but I’m sure he’ll be playing in the NBA.”
Clayton’s stock has risen drastically since the March Madness tournament, and many believe he’ll be a first-round pick because of his efforts during the tournament.
Horford helped Florida win back-to-back in 2006 and 2007 and has become one of their most esteemed alumni since entering the NBA. After being selected with the third overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, Horford went on to make five All-Star teams, an All-NBA team, and an NBA Champion.
It would be fitting to see Horford, one of the best basketball players to ever play for Florida’s Men’s Basketball Program, be one of Clayton’s very first teammates when he sets foot in the NBA next season