Florida Basketball Seniors Ready To Leave Mark At Final Four

Three transfers came to Florida to revive the program’s prestige and energy. They helped coach Todd Golden and his staff lead the Gators to their first Final Four since 2014.

Walter Clayton Jr., Alijah Martin and Will Richard have been essential parts of Florida’s success this season.

back on this court tomorrow ➡️ pic.twitter.com/fTXLBt4PPx

— Florida Gators Men’s Basketball (@GatorsMBK) April 4, 2025

Ahead of the Final Four, the trio went on Gator Tales with Sean Kelley, a podcast hosted by Florida Gators play-by-play announcer Sean Kelley.

In episode 48, Kelley interviewed each player about the team, their dream season and what they expect in San Antonio.

Thoughts about Florida’s success

Martin cited his faith as an essential part of his success as a player throughout his college career, as well as his trust in his team.

“Just having faith, trusting God, and putting in the work. Trusting each other,” Alijah said.

Martin shared his thoughts on the Final Four, having already experienced one with FAU in 2023.

“It’s life-changing, these guys don’t know it but they’re 100,000 richer, they get some resume on their basketball, they’re more famous. It’s life-changing,” he said.

He also mentioned how he and Clayton are similar in many ways:

“We have so much in common, we both underdogs. We are coming from mid majors, under recruited in basketball, great college and we have so much in common.”

Clayton mentioned the victory against Connecticut as his favorite moment so far of this tournament

“Um, deemed my favorite. I’ll definitely say to the UConn win. I definitely say that’s been my favorite so far. You know, whenever you could just beat a program, especially in a back to back champions championship pedigree, whenever you win a game like that, you know, it means a lot. So I definitely said that was my favorite moment,” he said.

Richard expressed his sense of accomplishment to Kelley:

“Walking in for practice, seeing the Final Fours up there, is definitely special. Definitely a great feeling, being accomplished and knowing that we can do something special.” This is the first time Richard has visited San Antonio, mentioning that “it’s a moment I will never forget.”

on set pic.twitter.com/nkkCR8fVmk

— Florida Gators Men’s Basketball (@GatorsMBK) April 3, 2025

Overview on Florida’s trifecta

Clayton Jr. has showcased his clutch ability during March Madness, averaging 22.3 points on 45% shooting. Clayton has hit some of the most clutch shots we’ve seen in the tournament.

His 30-point, 4-assist performance against Texas Tech was one for the ages — especially at the Chase Center in San Francisco, sinking 3s from everywhere, just like NBA great Stephen Curry.

Martin has become one of the team’s strongest players, bringing tenacity and strength to Florida’s starting five. Playing quarterback in high school definitely helped him develop his tenacity. Martin will become the first player to appear in two Final Fours with two different teams, starting with Florida Atlantic in the 2022–2023 season.

Richard, a Fairburn, Ga., native, chose No. 5 because it symbolizes God’s grace in the Bible — something that deeply resonated with him. He’s shooting 35.7% from 3, 68.2% on 2s, and 83.7% from the line in the NCAA Tournament. Richard has played in all 38 of the Gators’ games this season.