POLK COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — As his athletic abilities and calm demeanor get national attention, the people who have known Walter Clayton Jr., 22, said they have long seen saw greatness in him.
“Other people are seeing what I’ve seen in him his whole life,” said Cherie Foster, Clayton’s mother.
Foster said her son showed a gift for basketball at just one year old.
Courtesy: Cherie Foster
“I think everybody thinks their own kid is always special, of course, but I’ve been around other little kids at that age, so seeing him on that goal, I just was like, ‘OK, that’s not normal’,” she said.
Foster said she enrolled Clayton in football at 4 years old and basketball at around 6 years old.
He excelled at both through most of his childhood.
“Amongst his athletic ability, Walter is a good person, on and off the court, and that is most what I want people to know about him,” said Foster.
In high school, Clayton decided to focus on basketball so the Lake Wales native enrolled at Bartow High School to play under Coach Terrence McGriff.
“I think the Lord had our paths crossed because it was the perfect time. We were ready to coach him and he was ready for our kind of coaching environment and it’s been a perfect marriage. I’m thankful that we’ve got a chance to be a part of his journey,” said Coach McGriff.
When asked what makes Clayton special, Coach McGriff pointed to his poise and unselfish spirit, calling him a “unifier.”
“I’ve been at Bartow 23 years. I’ve coached 29 years overall. I don’t think I’ve had a kid who’s ever been a better communicator with me as a coach,” he said.
Coach McGriff, along with Foster and other supporters, is in San Antonio, TX to watch the college senior compete in March Madness for the University of Florida Gators.
They were both there Saturday when Clayton scored 34 points in the semifinal game against Auburn University.
Courtesy: Terrence McGriff
“Everybody’s going crazy in the stands and I’m kind of standing there and people are wondering, why is this guy standing there? Really I was overwhelmed, trying to take in the moment, watching him accomplish his dreams,” said Coach McGriff.
Coach McGriff said he believes everybody in Polk County is rooting for the Gators Monday night in the championship game against the University of Houston.
“He’s one of ours. He’s a guy from Polk County, from the humble beginnings, from the same area we’re from that’s leading the Gators in the national championship game!” said Coach McGriff.
“I have seen the love and I have seen the support and it is so appreciated,” said Foster of the support from Polk County.
After the championship game, Foster said Clayton will be focusing on being drafted into the NBA.
