Walter Clayton Jr. Asks Florida Mascot to Leave Family Photo After Championship Win

Walter Clayton Jr., named the Final Four Most Outstanding Player, led the Florida Gators to their third national championship by overcoming a 12-point deficit to defeat Houston 65-63. Post-game celebrations took an amusing turn when Clayton was captured on camera asking the Gators mascot, Albert, to leave his family photo, as he posed with his girlfriend and one-year-old daughter. Despite a challenging night scoring only 11 points, all in the second half, Clayton's defensive plays were crucial to securing the win. The humorous exchange, where Clayton politely asked the mascot to exit the frame twice, has gone viral, highlighting the lighter side of the celebrations. Clayton, who previously transferred from Iona, has been projected as a late first-round pick in 2025 NBA mock drafts, following impressive performances throughout the tournament. His journey and success illustrate his significant impact on the Gators' championship run.