The biggest story of the offseason was the return of guard Walter Clayton Jr. and guard / forward Will Richard, who combined for 29.0 points per game in 2023/24. Clayton Jr. and Richard had one year of eligibility remaining but entered the NBA pre-draft process before deciding on their future. While both announced their return to UF, the feedback they received from NBA teams was valuable as the duo looks to improve in key areas this season in an effort to raise their draft stock.
Clayton Jr. was the most used player on Florida’s squad last year, averaging 17.6 PPG while connecting on 36.5% of his three-point shots. The Lake Wales, Florida native went into the process with an open mind, but believes he made the correct decision coming back for his senior season.
“It was smooth. I got some feedback from some teams,” Clayton Jr. said on the draft process. “Different teams needed different things. Like one team told me they want a true point guard. Other teams told me they want me for me, just I want a little bit more in defense. So I got some feedback from multiple teams.”
The 6’3, 195-pound guard has a chance to capitalize on that feedback this season as he will be tasked with facilitating Florida’s offense compared to the off ball role we saw last year.
“Defense and protecting the ball. Those are two main things, for sure,” Clayton Jr. said on what he’s focusing on this year.
Richard was considered a ‘role player’ last season based on his usage, averaging 11.4 PPG while making 34.5% of his three pointers, a noticeable dip after sinking 39.8% from beyond the arc in 2022/23.
“It was really valuable,” Richard said on the NBA Draft process. “It was a blessing to be a part of it. It was great to get in front of NBA eyes and to hear what they had to say and hear what they are looking for and what I need to improve on to make that next jump this year.”
Consistency has been an issue for Richard when it comes to shooting the long ball, which was something NBA teams emphasized as an area for improvement.
“Everything I heard from them I have focused on to make that jump,” Richard said. “For me, it is about being a consistent three-point shooter. They were saying defense is a big thing too, making it one of my priorities and being a leader and using my motor on both ends of the court.”
Defensively, opponents shot 55% at the rim when driving against Richard, an area the 6’4, 206-pound guard / forward will look to improve on. Richard also struggled defending pick and roll ball handlers, ranking in the 53rd percentile Nationally.
“For me I would just say being a better team defender, making sure I am in the right spots on and off the ball, making sure I am in help, being able to rotate, help guys out and just talking and being loud when I am on the court,” Richard said.
Walter Clayton Jr. and Will Richard will play a significant role in the success of Florida’s team this year as they look to build off their NBA Draft feedback in 2024/25.