Revised: Is Clayton THE All-Time great???

49% from behind the arc is elite for a spot up shooter, but simply unbelievable here considering Clayton predominantly has been shooting contested shots off the dribble.

 

I know Houston will do everything possible to shut him down. He may have to be more of a distributor tonight, but I'm rooting for big Walt to get 30, tonight.

That would even surpass the great Larry Bird, who only got 19 in the final against Michigan State.

Having 30 or more in the great eight and both Final Fours puts him in the elite of the elite!

 

With Bird, Jerry West, Wilt the Stilt and some other guy for 30+ in the Elite 8 and the National Semi for guys that won. Don't know the list for guys that lost in the National Semi.

 

I don’t think there is any way Clayton can score 30+ on this Houston team. I would love a 20+ point 4+ assists 2- turnovers game from him.

Besides I’m sure Clayton prefers the W and the championship over any individual accolades. If we win, he is a shoe-in for the tournament most outstanding player award. Probably doesn’t get it without a W.

 

Lordy Lordy we are going to miss him.

 

An All-Time Gator great, but not THE all time great, IMO. Playing only 2 years at Florida, I wouldn't put him as #1, but definitely in the Top 5.

 

Walter is a Gator great for sure. I wasn't even a Gator when Walk played here but I did see him once on TV and he was very impressive. If it wasn't for the Lew Alcindor/Kareem guy he would have been the #1 pick in the NBA draft and deserved it. His 41 is the only retired basketball number at UF. Why we don't have a jersey with his number hanging in the rafters is a mystery to me.

But Walter did what Walk couldn't do. He WILLED this Gator team to the National Championship. He had lots of help but it was his will to win that was a difference maker.

Time for a two headed GOAT in Gator basketball: Walk and Clayton. Two retired numbers with jerseys hanging.

Then we can argue all during the off season about which one deserves it more.

 

The best description of that shot by Clayton I've heard was on a YouTube podcast. The guy called it a crazy video-game shot.

 

Don’t think this matters, other than team career statistics. Is playing 4 years a requirement? I guess it depends whether you are looking at cumulative stats or who reached an ultimate peak of high level in play.

The 04’s, who I assume everyone has on their “all time greats” played 3 years.

Honestly Clayton was so amazing, I’m not even sure who his competition would be. Taurean Green is maybe the only one with a case for a guard. 2 rings vs 1 counts for something. But those teams were just so loaded with front court lottery picks, nobody was keying the defense just to stop Green. A lot more was on Clayton’s shoulders during this run.

 

This is all subjective speculation and the OP didn't qualify the guard position. They said THE all-time great. To me that implies the best player in Florida basketball history, regardless of position. IN MY OPINION, Clayton is an all-time Gator great for sure, but not THE best ever. You have your opinion, others have theirs. There's no way to prove a right answer. It's opinion and I think that was the purpose of the OP - to get discussion going. In the euphoria of just winning a national title, it's natural to jump on the bandwagon of this year's team and it's best player. But over time things will be put in more proper perspective, just like what happened with all of our other Gator teams and players. And winning a national title is not the only criteria that qualifies a player to be considered among the best of all time. Neal Walk, Al Horford, Mike Miller and Vernon Maxwell are 4 off the top of my head who would have to be considered as our best ever.

 

was about to hit agree til I got to Crackswell

 

I saw miller, horford and Maxwell all live. I would put Walter Clayton above all three. Like you say, each person has their own opinion. If I have to win one game and I have my choice, I definitely take Clayton.

 

I say put small banners around the arena that reflect each player on all three natty teams. And leave room for the next batch!

 

I saw them, too, plus I saw Neal Walk play in person at the first UF basketball game I ever attended. He was absolutely great. 2nd player picked in the 1969 NBA draft.

 

They should retire jerseys … like a Ring of Honor. …. Don’t need to retire numbers

 

I vote for putting Clayton in the Ring of Honor. Lol

 

Clayton willed his team (yes, this was "his" team) to a championship and did it facing an all-time stout conference + an amazingly difficult tourney field. To answer the OP question, the answer is "YES!" imo.

 

I hereby rule Slap Maxwell ineligible for the title of Gator GOAT.

 

Nick, it is MOP (Most Outstanding Player) and not MVP.