It has been quite the year for Walter Clayton Jr.
First, the 6’2, 199 lb. guard led the Florida Gators to their third National Championship. Clayton Jr. was named the NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. Other accolades for Clayton, Jr. included being named a consensus first-team All-American, the SEC Tournament MVP, and the West Regional Most Outstanding Player.
On Wednesday, he was selected with the 18th overall pick by the Washington Wizards and acquired by the Utah Jazz. The Jazz dealt the 21st overall pick and two second-round picks to move up to select Clayton, Jr.
The former Iona star transferred to Florida after two seasons with the Gaels and was outstanding in each of his two seasons with the Gators. Clayton, Jr. averaged 18.3 points, 4.2 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game in 39 games for the Gators last season. He shot 44.8% from the field, 38.6% from beyond the arc, and 87.5% from the charity stripe.
Despite all of his accolades and accomplishments, it was Clayton Jr.’s daughter, Leilani, who stole the show on Wednesday night.
Walter Clayton Jr.’s Daughter Steals the Show From Her Dad
It all started after Clayton and the Gators won the National Championship.
“Walter Clayton’s girlfriend Tatiyana with a awkward funny moment there, in telling Walter’s mom to wait so she (Tatiyana), Walter and their daughter could have their picture first, before Walter’s mom comes in and joins them,” one fan explained.
Walter Clayton’s girlfriend Tatiyana with a awkward funny moment there, in telling Walter’s mom to wait so she (Tatiyana), Walter and their daughter could have their picture first, before Walter’s mom comes in and joins them.
🎥 @sluggahjells pic.twitter.com/SbhN07eq9N
— The Whole Delivery (@TWDTV1) April 8, 2025
She’s been with Clayton every step of the way, getting ready with her dad prior to leaving for the draft.
“Walter Clayton Jr. getting draft ready with his daughter 🥹🫶,” the official NBA Draft account tweeted.
Walter Clayton Jr. getting draft ready with his daughter 🥹🫶 pic.twitter.com/uz0EibxsbB
— NBA Draft (@NBADraft) June 25, 2025
At the draft, she didn’t seem to want anything to do with the founder and CEO of Klutch Sports Group, Rich Paul.
“Walter Clayton Jr’s daughter wanted nothing to deal with Rich Paul,” joked one fan.
Walter Clayton Jr’s daughter wanted nothing to deal with Rich Paul
🎥 @TWDTV1 pic.twitter.com/tQpKLrx8a2
— Andrew Jerell Jones, Luke 1:37 (BlueSky too now) (@sluggahjells) June 26, 2025
She’s also made plenty of fans across the country tonight.
“Walter Clayton Jr’s babygirl saying dada,” another fan tweeted, showing the emotional response she elicited from some.
Walter Clayton Jr’s babygirl saying dada 🥹😠pic.twitter.com/OMOT6WGoCY
— olivia pope. (@aldinaaraul) June 26, 2025
According to Clayton, Jr., his daughter didn’t know what was happening.
“She has no clue what’s going on right now,” Clayton, Jr. said. “Maybe she’ll look back on some pictures but I’m just happy that she’s here. She definitely gave me a lot of extra motivation.”
“She has no clue what’s going on right now.” 🤣
National Champion Walter Clayton Jr. told @TaylorRooks how his daughter motivates him every day 🫶 pic.twitter.com/zXqu03fIkh
— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 26, 2025
When your dad was just selected in a higher spot than expected and is coming off a National Championship, it should be their night, but Clayton Jr.’s adorable daughter made stealing the show seem quite easy.
