Florida Gators Star Walter Clayton Jr. Balances Fatherhood and Basketball Dreams

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — University of Florida basketball player Walter Clayton Jr. continues to chase his NBA dreams while embracing fatherhood after welcoming his daughter, Leilani Leigh Clayton, with girlfriend Tatiyana Burney in December 2023.

Clayton Jr., a guard for the Florida Gators, and Burney, his high school sweetheart, announced their pregnancy in May 2023. Leilani was born on December 11, weighing 6 pounds, 7 ounces. “Cute things come to those who wait 9 months,” Burney shared on social media following her daughter’s arrival.

Following Leilani’s birth, Burney moved three hours north to Gainesville to join Clayton Jr. as he navigates his junior year with the Gators. “My girl, shout out to her, she’s done a great job just allowing me to focus on basketball,” Clayton Jr. stated in an interview with Freddie Stevenson. “She’s doing a great job being a mom and helping me be a better father.”

Originally from Lake Wales, Florida, Clayton Jr. and Burney have known each other since middle school. His mother, Cherie Quarg, emphasized Burney’s positive influence on her son. “She lets him be him,” Quarg told The Independent Florida Alligator. “She blended right in with our little family.”

As Clayton Jr. prepares to lead the Gators into the NCAA championship game against the Houston Cougars on April 7, he reflects on the added responsibility of fatherhood. “Leilani is depending on me to provide for her. It’s just a lot of extra motivation,” he stated.

Clayton Jr. is expected to be a first-round pick in the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft, building on his impressive performance throughout the season. Known for his three-point shooting, he has been a key player in the Gators’ successful run towards a potential national championship.

As the team heads to the finals, Clayton Jr.’s family, including his girlfriend and daughter, have been regular supporters. Leilani has been spotted at games sporting custom Gators gear, showcasing her support for her father.

Amidst the pressures of college basketball, Clayton Jr. acknowledges that fatherhood has helped him mature. “I definitely think [Leilani’s birth] helped maturity-wise. I’m still figuring out the whole father thing,” he admitted. “Me and Leilani are kind of growing together right now.”

Burney recently celebrated Leilani’s first birthday, expressing her pride in motherhood on social media. “Being able to watch you grow and reach new milestones has been nothing but the best!” she wrote. She also thanked Clayton Jr. for his support, saying, “We love you so much and appreciate you more than you’ll ever know.”