NBA Comparison: Cameron Payne/Tyler Johnson

Strengths: Combo guard who is one of the best pure shooters in the draft class … Thrives in catch and shoot situations … Has a quick release, making it harder to get a hand in his face when he shoots … Can also shoot off the dribble … Typically uses screens to get his three-point shot off the dribble … Can extend all the way from 25+ feet out, so the defense must be aware of his whereabouts at all times … Has a sneakily effective mid-range jump shot … Hits mid-range shots off the dribble in a ball screen action … Can get to the nail after beating his defender and knock down amid range shot, which is another part of his game that keeps the opposition on its toes … Has a tight handle and is extremely quick in transition … Loves to run the floor and create fast break opportunities for easy baskets … Has developed a a pick and roll facilitator … Quality assist to turnover ratio at near 2 to 1, 4.3 to 2.3 … Can score at the basket if the opportunity is there… Always looks to get to his right hand to score … His 6’4, 190 lb frame also helps him finish through hard contact … A reliable free throw shooter, shooting over 80% in three of his four college seasons … Although his assist numbers don’t jump off the page, he is a solid passer. .. Has a high basketball IQ and can find open teammates  … Always has the ball on the last possession of a tight game … He is clutch in late game situations when his team needs him most  … Good defensive player. On defense he always has active hands and is looking for deflections and takeaways, which can turn into easy fats break points … An explosive leaper who has converted some impressive dunks in senior season …

Weaknesses: Solid passer but has a tendency to turn the ball over more than you would like … Has a high basketball IQ but can make easily avoidable mistakes from time to time …  Is a bit small for a shooting guard, but is showing steady improvement as a floor general … Did not always display the ability to be a guard who can bring the ball up the court … Wingspan decent, but not overwhelming at 6’4.25 … Turned 22 on March Sixth, decreasing his perceived upside in relation to younger prospects …. Good size for a point, but below average size for a shooting guard / combo …

Notes: Walter Clayton Jr. measured 6′ 2.50” barefoot, 8′ 1.50” standing reach, 188.8 lbs, 6′ 4.25” wingspan, 28.5 standing vert, 37.5 max vert at the 2024 NBA G-League Combine … Played for the Iona Gaels for first two seasons… Won 2023 MAAC … Player of the Year and selected to the 2023 First-Team All-MAAC… Also garnered All-SEC tournament team in 2024 …

Matthew Blutig 3/18/25