Polk County has another reason to tune in to the NBA this season.
Walter Clayton Jr., a standout basketball star with roots in Lake Wales and Bartow, was selected 18th overall in Wednesday night’s NBA Draft. The Washington Wizards made the pick but quickly traded Clayton’s rights to the Utah Jazz, where he’ll begin his professional career.
A Draft Night Move to Utah
The Wizards selected Clayton at No. 18 but finalized a trade sending him to the Jazz in exchange for the 21st and 43rd picks in this year’s draft, along with two future second-round selections.
For folks across Lake Wales, Bartow, and all of Polk County, it was more than just another draft night trade — it was a proud moment watching another local athlete reach basketball’s biggest stage.
From Polk County Courts to National Glory
Clayton’s story is familiar to many here at home. Born in Sebring, he moved to Lake Wales at age 10 and quickly made his presence known on the court. After starting out at Lake Wales High School, he transferred to Bartow High School, where he helped lead the Yellow Jackets to back-to-back state championships in Florida’s highly competitive Class 6A division.
His talent earned him a spot at Iona College, where he was named MAAC Player of the Year, followed by a transfer to the University of Florida. This past season, he played a key role in helping the Gators capture a National Championship, earning Final Four Most Outstanding Player honors.
A Proud Family Moment at the Draft
Clayton wasn’t alone on draft night. His parents, Cherie Quarg and Walter Clayton Sr., were right there with him at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, cheering him on as his name was called. Both parents have athletic roots of their own — his mother, Cherie, is a former basketball and softball player, while his father, Walter Sr., played both basketball and football during his college days.
Also joining him at this life-changing moment were his longtime girlfriend, Tatiyana Burney, and their one-year-old daughter, Leilani Leigh Clayton. It was a special night for the entire family, and another proud moment for Polk County.
Polk County’s Proud Basketball Legacy
With his arrival in the NBA, Walter Clayton Jr. joins an impressive list of basketball stars who’ve called Polk County home:
Polk County NBA Players
• Amar’e Stoudemire – Born in Lake Wales, Stoudemire became a 6-time NBA All-Star and 2003 Rookie of the Year. He enjoyed a long career with the Suns, Knicks, Mavericks, and Heat.
• Vin Baker – Born in Lake Wales, Baker played his high school basketball in Connecticut but remains a proud Lake Wales native. He was drafted 8th overall in 1993 and became a 4-time NBA All-Star, with stops in Milwaukee, Seattle, Boston, and more.
• Dominique Jones – Another Lake Wales native, Jones was drafted 25th overall in 2010 and played for the Dallas Mavericks.
• Tony Bradley – From Bartow, Bradley has played for several NBA teams and continues to represent Polk County at the professional level.
• Otis Birdsong – A Winter Haven product, Birdsong was a 4-time NBA All-Star, known for his smooth scoring ability over a decade-long NBA career.
• Dwayne Bacon – A standout from Lakeland, Bacon made his way to the NBA after playing for Florida State.
• Tracy McGrady – Though not a Polk County native, McGrady spent a portion of his youth in the area and remains a fan favorite locally. He ultimately played his high school basketball at Mount Zion Christian Academy in North Carolina but remains one of the most popular NBA names associated with the county. McGrady is a 7-time NBA All-Star and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee.
Other Local Basketball Standouts
While not all made it to the NBA, many Polk County athletes have built outstanding basketball careers at the collegiate and professional levels (editors note: I know there are tons more, we just picked these few for the article. – Carl:
• Jerel Blocker, Nicholas Blocker, Doug Brooks, and David Campbell, all from Lake Wales, left their mark at the college level and in professional leagues around the world.
• George Almones, Luther Burden, and others have helped grow Polk County’s basketball tradition over the years.
Pride Runs Deep Across Polk County
Walter Clayton Jr.’s journey — from the courts of Lake Wales and Bartow to college championships and now the NBA — adds to the proud basketball legacy of this county. His work ethic, perseverance, and talent reflect the same qualities seen in so many other local athletes over the years.
With Clayton now suiting up for the Utah Jazz, Polk County has yet another reason to pay attention to the NBA — and another hometown star to root for
The Daily Ridge congratulates Walter Clayton Jr. and all the athletes who continue to make Polk County proud, both on and off the court
Editors note: Hey everyone it’s Carl, cofounder of the Daily Ridge. I’m a life long Celtic’s fan, but I’m going to become a new Utah Jazz fan. First because of Walter Clayton Jr. and secondly the owner of the team. Check out this video and tell me the two young studs they drafted last night won’t love it! I wish they talked more about Walter Clayton Jr., but I’m excited to see the future of the Utah Jazz!
