The room at Thomas Haugh’s house exploded with cheers Wednesday night when they saw Walter Clayton Jr. secure his NBA dough at No. 18 overall. Haugh shared a story on his Instagram page of this moment to show the world how much the move meant for him and his peers. For Clayton, a 22-year-old guard, the draft call marked the realization of a lifelong dream, making him burst into tears.
Thomas Haugh and Friends Can’t Hold It Together As Walter Clayton Jr. Rises to NBA
In the Instagram story, Haugh was glued to his TV alongside his friends and family to witness the NBA Draft. As soon as the host announced that Clayton had been selected by the Washington Wizards, the room exploded as they cheered their hearts out for their buddy.
Clayton’s journey to the NBA has been impressive. After two standout seasons at Iona, where he earned Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Player of the Year honors in 2023, Clayton transferred to Florida. His senior season was a masterclass in leadership and clutch performance.
Averaging 18.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, he drained 120 3-pointers and became UF’s first Associated Press first-team All-American. His 134 points across six NCAA Tournament games, including back-to-back 30-point outbursts in the Elite Eight and Final Four, secured his position as one of Florida’s greatest scorers.
At the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, Clayton visited with his family to attend the draft. The Wizards initially selected him at No. 18, only to trade him to the Utah Jazz for the No. 21 pick and two second-rounders. Overwhelmed, Clayton hugged his mother, Cherie Foster, with tears in his eyes before joining NBA Commissioner Adam Silver on stage. His four-year, $19.32 million deal, including $3.99 million as a rookie, awaits in Utah.
Walter Clayton Jr. getting draft ready with his daughter 🥹🫶 pic.twitter.com/uz0EibxsbB
— NBA Draft (@NBADraft) June 25, 2025
Clayton’s rise wasn’t without challenges. At 6-foot-2 and 195 pounds, he faced questions about his size and decision-making. Nevertheless, his ability to deliver in critical moments defined his worth. Clayton initiated comebacks in four of UF’s final five tournament games, scoring 9 to 13 points in the closing minutes.
Ultimately, his move to Utah is a new chapter for an elite athlete who thrives under pressure. While his occasional offensive inconsistency and turnover tendencies need some work, his clutch potential makes him a promising fit for the Jazz. As Haugh and Gator fans celebrate, Clayton’s journey from Lake Wales to the NBA will be set in stone as another basketball fantasy story.