In a dramatic turn of events during the 2025 NCAA National Championship game, Florida Gators guard Walter Clayton Jr. was at the center of attention. Despite entering the game as one of the tournament’s hottest players, Clayton’s performance in the first half of the championship against the Houston Cougars raised eyebrows, especially among former NBA players like LeBron James’ friend, Sean Singletary.

Singletary, a former NBA player himself and current podcaster known as ‘Cuffs The Legend,’ did not mince words when commenting on Clayton’s performance. The Florida guard, who had dazzled throughout the tournament, was unable to make a single shot in the first half, going 0-for-4 from the field. All his attempts came from beyond the arc, with none of them finding the net. Singletary took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice his disappointment.

“Great Value Steph Curry” – Singletary’s Scathing Critique of Clayton

On X, Singletary unleashed his thoughts on Clayton’s play, calling the guard out for looking “like Great Value Steph Curry” during the entire tournament. In his post, Singletary remarked:

“Walter Clayton Jr. has been looking like Great Value Steph Curry this whole entire NCAA Tournament and he gets all the way to the championship game and now the Houston Cougars defense got him looking like Julian Newman tonight #MovingThePuppies.”

The comparison to “Great Value Steph Curry” clearly suggested Singletary’s frustration with Clayton’s inability to deliver in a high-pressure situation. For a player who had averaged 24.6 points per game on nearly 50% shooting from the field, the performance in the first half was a stark contrast to the expectations placed on him.

Clayton’s Rough Start Doesn’t Define Florida’s Championship Victory

While Singletary’s sharp critique may have resonated with some fans, the game was far from over after the first 20 minutes. Despite going scoreless in the first half, Clayton was able to find his rhythm in the second. In a championship game where every possession counted, the Gators were able to rally back from a 12-point deficit, ultimately defeating the Houston Cougars 65-63 to claim their third national title in school history.

After a challenging start, Clayton finished the game with 11 points, contributing seven assists, five rebounds, a steal, and a block. His ability to turn things around in the second half proved pivotal in securing the win for the Gators. His play, while not perfect, was enough to help Florida capture the 2025 NCAA Championship.

Will Richard and Alex Condon Shine in Gators’ Championship Victory

While Clayton’s comeback was crucial, it was senior guard Will Richard who led the Gators in the championship win. Richard’s performance was stellar, finishing with 18 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and two steals. His steady contribution provided the Gators with the edge they needed as they fought their way back into the game.

Sophomore forward Alex Condon also played a crucial role, adding 12 points along with seven rebounds and four steals. The duo’s contributions were essential in Florida’s ability to claw back and eventually secure the victory.

Houston’s Late Struggles Lead to Devastating Defeat

On the other side, the Houston Cougars were left to lament missed opportunities. Senior guard L.J. Cryer was the lone bright spot for the Cougars, finishing with 19 points. However, it was clear that Houston’s defense, which had been so dominant in earlier rounds, struggled to contain Florida’s comeback.

The Cougars were leading 42-30 in the second half but could not hold onto their lead. After Florida tied the game at 51-all, the teams exchanged blows down the stretch. Florida’s Alijah Martin helped push the Gators ahead with crucial free throws, giving Florida a 64-63 lead with less than a minute remaining.

In the final moments, Houston’s last attempt to tie or win the game was thwarted when they turned the ball over, allowing Florida to extend their lead to 65-63. The Cougars couldn’t get off a final shot, handing Florida the national title.

Florida Gators Make History with Third National Championship

This victory marked Florida’s third national title, with their last championship coming back in 2007. While Clayton’s journey in the tournament had its ups and downs, his resilience and the collective effort of the team were what ultimately mattered. The Gators’ thrilling win over Houston not only cemented their place in NCAA history but also marked a defining moment in Clayton’s career.

Despite the criticisms and the struggles he faced in the first half, Clayton’s ability to contribute when it mattered most helped Florida hoist the championship trophy once again.

The Takeaway – A Championship Team, No Matter the Criticism

In the end, Walter Clayton Jr. proved that one rough half doesn’t define a player’s legacy. While critics like Sean Singletary were quick to highlight his struggles, Clayton’s comeback and the Florida Gators’ perseverance under pressure demonstrated the true spirit of a championship team. As the Gators bask in their victory, the road to the championship will undoubtedly be remembered as a journey of triumph, resilience, and redemption.

With the Gators’ victory solidifying their status as 2025 NCAA champions, the performance of Walter Clayton Jr. and his teammates will be discussed for years to come. And though some critiques may sting, they serve as a reminder of how a great athlete can rise from adversity to claim greatness on the biggest stage.