Celtics Champion Has Bold Walter Clayton Jr. Premonition

Boston Celtics star Al Horford traveled to San Antonio to watch his alma mater capture the 2025 men’s championship.

The last time the University of Florida won the national title was in 2007, when Horford was the Gators’ starting center.

“I’m so proud of these Gator boys and Gator Nation,” Horford told NBC Sports’ John Fanta on Monday night. “Just so happy for the university for getting that third national championship, putting basketball back at the top again.”

All-America guard Walter Clayton Jr. didn’t score his first point until the 14:57 mark of the second half against the Cougars and finished with 11 points on 3-for-10 shooting, after dropping a combined 64 points in his previous two games. Horford praised Clayton for his approach to the game and made a bold statement about the senior’s NBA future.

“He’s such a smart player,” Horford said. “He’s a team player. He understood that they were going to double him. He needed to get his guys, so he was looking to pass early, and then he took his moments late and scored some big baskets for us. So he’s just a winner. He knows how to play.

“I know I’m going to be playing against him next year in the pros, in the NBA, so maybe he’ll be with us, who knows? But I’m sure he’ll be playing in the NBA.”

Horford may not be too far off with his premenition of Clayton joining the Celtics next season. In ESPN’s way-too-early NBA mock draft, Jonathan Givony has the reigning champions selecting Clayton with the 28th overall pick in the first round.

“Clayton helped his standing significantly in the NCAA tournament, posting an efficient 30 and 34 points in the Elite Eight and national championship semifinals,” Givony wrote. “… NBA teams have questions about Clayton’s defense, passing and feel for the game, as he can be mistake-prone on both ends of the floor and isn’t blessed with great physical tools with his average size, length and strength.”