Between Houston, author of a resounding comeback in the semi-finals against Duke, and Florida, accustomed to the reversals of situations in this March Madness, the NCAA final had to end at the finish.
To this little game, Walter Clayton JR Once again proved that he was particularly comfortable in hot moments. If the back of Florida was not as impressive offensively as during his last outings, his second period was crucial in the coronation of the Gators NCAA against Houston. He succeeds Sad Newton (Uconn) as “Most Outstanding Player”, best player in the Final Four.
Walter Clayton Jr. enters the story of Florida, after Joakim Noah and Corey Brewer, elected during the first two titles of the Gainesville college in 2006 and 2007.
Her statistical line on this final seems almost any (11 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists), but she does not say everything about the 22 -year -old influence on her team. It is also a reflection of this match, long dominated by the cougars, which had managed to leave it Fanny at the break, only the third period of all season without the slightest point for the star of the Gators.
“” They defended really hard on Walter and other guys »Insisted Will Richard, X factor in the first period with 14 of his 28 points, at a press conference. “” But Walter finished with seven assists. Even when they pressed him so hard, he continued to create a game to help the team win. »»
“” My watchword is that we can all do it Added Walter Clayton Jr to the gallery. “” I know that if it's not my evening, someone will take over. We know that we all support ourselves throughout the season, that's what we did all year round. And there was nothing different tonight. The way we won is simply an exclamation mark on this season. »»
Decisive on both sides of the field
If he had to wait 25 minutes to register his first point, Walter Clayton Jr. was not hidden, far from it. After having forced a little in the first period, the rear played with much more control, choosing in particular not to play following a screen to make the difference in one-of-one in penetration and avoid agglutinating more the defense of the cougars on him. His two lay-ups with the fault, then his 3-point basket three minutes from the end were decisive to bring Florida back to the elbow.
Then in the last seconds, it was he who disputed what could have been the shooting of Emanuel Sharp's win on an excellent reading of the game, when he was several meters at the time of the pass of LJ Cryer. “” We work on training there, to climb on a shot, jump to the side so as not to make mistakes on the shooter “He said at a press conference. “” He feigned after jumping, and dropping the ball, so it ended up being a good deed. »»
After his decisive shots against Connecticut or Texas Tech, Walter Clayton Jr cemented his new status as a clutch player, regardless of the circumstances.
“” To be honest, I absolutely thought of nothing “He said, using exactly the same words as after his shoot to pass a minute from the end against the Red Raiders during the Elite Eight. “” I tried to make a defensive stop. We succeeded and won the match. It is a surreal feeling, it's crazy. I can't explain it, but that is clearly good. »»
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ww6n-y9ygeg
Powered in the 1st round of the draft thanks to its March Madness?
Walter Clayton Jr. could hardly make better farewells to the Gators. After four university years, he will now leave the NCAA and will be a name to follow for the next draft.
An improbable scenario a few weeks earlier, while Espn placed it 63rd of its ranking of best prospects Before the “March Madness”, despite a place in the best five “All-American” of the season alongside Cooper Flagg (Duke) or Johni Broome (Auburn). At 22, Clayton JR did not have the prospect of a margin of progression for him like other less referenced Freshmen. But with its 22.3 points on average during the March Madness, he is now a candidate for a place in the first round of the Draft.
“” He signed the best six weeks of any player in the country and has placed an end of the second round in a first round without the slightest hesitation »» Ensures a scout at CBS.
The Floridian by birth attracted comparisons with Stephen Curry for the quality of his outdoor shooting, at 39.2% this season on almost eight attempts per game, and 43.5% during the national tournament. His profile between posts 1 and 2 – he was replaced titular leader for the first time this season – also lets imagine a profile close to a Jamal Murray. And after having participated in some “workouts” with franchises last year without convincing, this time he should be much more popular.
“” If Cooper Flagg is the best player in the country, then this kid is right by his side Haton coach Kelvin Sampson praised her before the final at The CBS channel. “” He is a winner. “” ” This Walter Clayton Jr is very serious “Concluded the former legendary coach of North Carolina Roy Williams.
