One minute, he’s draining a contested three-pointer at the buzzer to keep the Florida Gators' national title hopes alive. The next, he’s crouched down on the hardwood, trade-marking a grin that isn't for the cameras or the scouts. It’s for a tiny toddler wearing a custom jersey that’s three sizes too big. If you've been following the meteoric rise of the former Iona standout turned SEC champion, you already know he plays with a certain kind of "grown man" strength.
There’s a reason for that.
Does Walter Clayton Jr. have a child?
Yes, he does. Walter Clayton Jr. and his longtime girlfriend, Tatiyana Burney, welcomed their first child, a daughter named Leilani Leigh Clayton, on December 11, 2023.
While most college juniors are worried about NIL deals or their next chemistry quiz, Clayton was navigating the reality of being a Division I star and a new father simultaneously. Honestly, it’s a lot to handle. He famously posted a photo of the newborn on Instagram with a simple, heavy caption: "My New Why." It wasn't just a catchy social media tag. It changed his entire trajectory.
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The Story of Leilani Leigh Clayton
Leilani arrived right in the thick of the 2023-24 college basketball season. She weighed 6 lbs., 7 oz. at birth, and from the jump, she became a fixture at the Exactech Arena in Gainesville. You might’ve caught glimpses of her during the Gators' deep tournament runs. She’s usually the one in the stands sporting "Clayton Jr." gear, oblivious to the fact that her dad is one of the most feared scorers in the country.
A Middle School Connection
The support system behind Leilani is actually a pretty cool story in itself. Walter and Tatiyana aren't some random "star athlete and influencer" pairing. They’ve known each other since middle school in Lake Wales, Florida. That kind of history matters. When you’re jumping from Iona in New Rochelle down to the pressure cooker of the SEC, having someone who knew you before the highlights is huge.
Tatiyana eventually moved up to Gainesville to live with Walter during his final collegiate season. This was a massive move. It allowed the family to actually be a family despite the brutal travel schedule of a top-tier basketball program. Clayton’s mother, Cherie Quarg, has talked about how much this setup meant to her. Seeing her son take the "dad role" seriously while leading a team to a national championship? That’s the stuff of movies.
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How Fatherhood Changed His Game
It’s easy to say "I'm doing it for my family," but for Clayton, the numbers actually backed up the motivation. Before Leilani was born, Walter was already a great player. He was the MAAC Player of the Year at Iona. But after her birth, something clicked. He became more surgical. More poised.
He finished his career at Florida as an All-American and a National Champion in 2025. He wasn't just playing for a draft stock anymore. He told reporters that knowing Leilani was depending on him to provide for her gave him a "maturity-wise" boost that most 21-year-olds just don't have yet.
From Gainesville to the NBA
By the time the 2025 NBA Draft rolled around, the secret was out. The Washington Wizards took him 18th overall before he eventually landed with the Utah Jazz. Through every step—the draft workouts, the move to Salt Lake City, the transition to the pros—Leilani has been right there.
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There was even a hilarious moment after the Gators won the title where Walter basically shooed away the team mascot, Albert the Gator, because he wanted a photo that was "family only." You can’t blame the guy. He wanted that moment with Tatiyana and their daughter without a giant plush alligator photobombing the memory.
What Really Matters: Actionable Insights
If you're a fan of Walter Clayton Jr. or just a parent trying to balance a high-pressure career with a toddler at home, there are a few real-world takeaways from how he handles his business.
- Prioritize the Support System: Clayton didn't do it alone. He relied heavily on Tatiyana and his mother to manage the day-to-day logistics so he could focus on the court.
- Define Your "Why": Purpose-driven work is almost always more sustainable. When the stakes were highest in the NCAA Tournament, he wasn't thinking about the rim; he was thinking about the life he was building for Leilani.
- Keep the Inner Circle Tight: Despite his growing fame, he kept his private life relatively grounded with people who have known him for over a decade.
Walter Clayton Jr. is currently settling into his role with the Utah Jazz, but if you look closely at his sneakers or his social media, the focus remains the same. He’s a pro basketball player, sure. But to one little girl in Salt Lake City, he's just Dad. And honestly? That's the title he seems to value the most.
To keep up with Walter's journey in the NBA, keep an eye on the Utah Jazz roster updates or follow his official social media channels for the occasional (and very cute) Leilani cameo.