The 2025 NBA draft is nearly here, and ahead of Wednesday night’s start to the festivities, fans of the Florida basketball program are waiting with bated breath to see where some of their departing national champions might land among the professional ranks.
Star guard Walter Clayton Jr. is a consensus pick to be taken among the first 30 selections in the first round, while fellow guard Alijah Martin has been projected for the second round. Florida’s former swingman Will Richard is also available in the draft, but so far has not had much traction among the 59 predicted picks.
So, where will these Gator alumni land? CBS Sports writer Kyle Boone offers his final salvo of the pre-draft season with these two predictions.
Walter Clayton Jr.: No. 20, Miami Heat
“Few teams have as much up-close exposure to Clayton Jr., a Florida native who played at Florida the last two seasons and led the team to the national title this spring. He’s a dynamic shot-maker who can add versatility scoring on dribble jumpers and could elevate Miami’s backcourt.”
Alijah Martin: No. 48, Memphis Grizzlies
“Martin played a key role in leading two teams (FAU in 2023 and Florida in 2025) to the Final Four and helped the Gators clinch the title earlier this year. He’s a big leaper who is a career 36.4% 3-point shooter.”
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Here’s where CBS Sports expects these two Gators to go in upcoming 2025 NBA draft
Reporting by Adam Dubbin, Gators Wire / Gators Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
