By ADAM ZAGORIA
Iona transfer Walter Clayton Jr. has chosen Florida over St. John’s for his next destination.
The 6-foot-2 sophomore guard and native of Lake Wales, Fla., recently visited both schools.
“I’ll be going to the University of Florida, this decision is what I feel is best for me,” he told ZAGSBLOG ahead of his public announcement. “The staff at Florida has a great plan laid out and I believe we can get Florida back to the program it used to be, which is what everyone wants.
“They said I will be the point guard of the team. I will be a scorer and facilitator for the guys around me who are great.
“My focus is going to be solely on winning games this year. Playing in a conference like the SEC with great talent across the board will prepare me [for the pros] if I do make it to that point but my focus will be on winning games with my team next season.”
The MAAC Player of the Year, Clayton averaged 16.8 points and 3.2 assists playing for the Gaels as they won the MAAC regular-season and tournament titles before losing to UConn in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
“Walter Clayton is a proven winner and someone who will immediately raise the bar within our program,” Florida coach Todd Golden said. “He has a great attitude and mentality that will certainly be contagious for all. He grew up with Florida being his dream school, and now he gets to come home and wear the Orange and Blue in the O’Dome. I am excited to see what he is able to achieve as a Gator.”
Florida will also host transferring Seton Hall big man Tyrese Samuel this weekend before he visits Wake Forest. The 6-10 Montreal native averaged 11.0 points and 5.9 rebounds this season.
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