Gators’ Golden, Clayton Jr. Nominated for Prestigious Naismith Awards

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Naismith Awards announced on March 14 that Florida men’s basketball head coach Todd Golden and guard Walter Clayton Jr. have been named semifinalists for the Naismith Men’s College Coach of the Year and Player of the Year awards, respectively. Both lists consist of the top 10 candidates for their respective honors.

This marks Golden’s second bid for the Coach of the Year accolade after previously losing out to Auburn’s Bruce Pearl. In his third season with the Gators, Golden has propelled the team to remarkable heights, achieving their highest regular-season AP ranking since the 2013-14 season. The Gators were voted as high as No. 3 in the nation this year.

The team’s impressive record, including road wins against top contenders like Auburn, Tennessee, and Alabama, has significantly contributed to their success. Florida currently boasts an overall record of 27-4 and a conference record of 14-4, showcasing their highest winning percentage since 2013.

A major factor behind this success has been Golden’s guidance throughout the season, leading the Gators to a perfect start in non-conference play with 13 consecutive victories. Golden praised his players after a recent 90-71 win over Ole Miss, highlighting their collective effort in achieving the current record.

Clayton Jr., a senior and pivotal player for the Gators, leads the team in scoring (17.2 points per game), assists (4.3), and 3-pointers made (84). His performance in crucial moments has solidified his status as a leader on the court. On March 10, he was honored as the first player in program history to earn recognition from The Sporting News.

“I’m just trying to do whatever it takes to help the team win,” Clayton Jr. said. His contributions have been vital as the team prepares to face Missouri in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals on Friday.

Florida’s upcoming game against Missouri will be broadcast on the SEC Network and is set for 7 p.m. in Nashville.