Walter Clayton Jr. is a point guard for the Florida Gators, after transferring from Iona, where he started his collegiate career. He played a crucial role in taking the Gators to the National Championship game in 2025— the program’s first in near-two decades. His back-to-back 30-point games in the Elite Eight and Final Four made him the first since Larry Bird in 1979 to attain the feat. Impact? His draft stock kept rising.

“Just like the Warriors want Steph taking those final shots, we want Walt taking the final shots, too,” said Florida coach Todd Golden after his clutch threes against Texas Tech. The Gators were making the Final Four for the first time since 2014 with that. This massive boost has been notable since the birth of his first child, Leilani, whom he credits for his motivation. But initially, his parents played a major role in igniting his love for basketball and his gradual development. Check out more about Walter Clayton Jr.’s parents.

Who are Walter Clayton Jr.’s Parents?

Walter Clayton Jr. was born to Walter Clayton Sr. and Cherie Qurag on 6th March 2003. They are parents to three kids — Walter, Asia, and Giselle — and boast athletic backgrounds from their college days themselves.

Who is Walter Clayton Jr.’s Dad?

The Florida-born star has athletic genes. His father, Walter Clayton Sr, was a multi-sport athlete, excelling in both basketball and football. Walter Jr also played football and basketball in his high school days and eventually chose the latter as his profession.

In the interview with ‘the Orlando Sentinel’, Clayton Jr.’s mother recalled the Gators star’s early years in basketball and how his father took him to a community court sparked his initial interest in the game. “They had a community court in their neighbourhood.” She said. “His dad would go in on him down there. People would come and sit and watch them go head-to-head with each other.”

Who is Walter Clayton Jr.’s Mother?

Cherie Quarg is Walter Clayton Jr’s mother. Just like her husband, Cherie also has connections with sports. She played softball and basketball in high school and was instrumental in instilling high-level work ethics in Walter Jr. Apart from this, there is not much information available about his mother in the public domain. But she and Walter Clayton Sr. have played a huge role throughout the guard’s life.

It was Cherie Quarg who would encourage her son to stay closer home when he decided to switch to basketball from football in the last two years of high school. The whole family has been supportive throughout that process, eventually coming to attend his college games in dozens. The bond was evident further when Clayton decided to move from Lake Wales to Gainesville, Fla., so that they could be closer to family. The Gator had withdrawn from following Rick Pitino to St. John’s for this very reason. Now a father himself, Clayton uses it as a motivation to fuel his performance.