Melissa Donovan
The University of Florida’s men’s basketball program has long been a destination for elite talent, and in recent years, some of the most impactful players have come from right here in Central Florida. As the team gears up to play Houston in the March Madness National Championship tonight, here is a look at the players who got their start in Central Florida.
Walter Clayton Jr. – Lake Wales, FL (Bartow High School)
One of the most dynamic guards in the SEC, Walter Clayton Jr. has made an immediate impact since transferring from Iona to Florida. A senior from Lake Wales, Clayton quickly became one of the Gators’ go-to scorers, finishing the 2023-24 season with 633 points, the fifth-highest single-season total in program history.
Clayton’s elite performance earned him Second-Team All-SEC honors and a spot on the SEC All-Tournament Team. He shined brightest on the national stage, scoring a career-high 33 points in the NCAA Tournament against Colorado — the second-most by a Gator in tournament history.
Before Gainesville, Clayton dominated at Iona, where he was named MAAC Player of the Year in 2023 and led the nation with a .953 free-throw percentage. Off the court, he’s known for his love of video games, his mom’s jambalaya, and his admiration for Bradley Beal and Tiger Woods.
Sam Alexis – Apopka, FL (Apopka High School)
Sam Alexis, a powerful 6-8 forward, transferred to Florida in 2024 after two impressive seasons at Chattanooga. A native of Apopka, Alexis averaged 10.8 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game as a sophomore, earning All-Southern Conference and All-Defensive Team honors.
Known for his rebounding and shot-blocking, Alexis is poised to become a key presence in the paint for the Gators. His high school roots run deep in Central Florida, where he earned First-Team All-Metro Conference recognition at Apopka High School.
Denzel Aberdeen – Orlando, FL (Dr. Phillips High School)
Junior guard Denzel Aberdeen, from Orlando’s Dr. Phillips High School, has carved out a reputation as a clutch performer. In the 2024 SEC Tournament, Aberdeen delivered a breakout performance with 20 points and four three-pointers to help Florida erase an 18-point deficit and defeat Texas A&M.
A former four-star recruit, Aberdeen helped lead Dr. Phillips to its first-ever state championship in 2021 and another title game appearance in 2022. Off the court, he’s a skateboarder, a fan of Ja Morant, and a lover of chicken alfredo and “Stranger Things.”
Isaiah Brown – Orlando, FL (Orlando Christian Prep)
Freshman Isaiah Brown brings energy, scoring ability, and leadership from Orlando Christian Prep, one of Florida’s most successful high school programs. Rated as a four-star prospect, Brown averaged 18.6 points per game as a junior and helped lead his team to a state runner-up finish in his senior year.
He also represented Puerto Rico in the 2024 FIBA U18 AmeriCup, showcasing his talent on the international stage. Off the court, Brown is known for his charisma and a surprising hidden talent — singing. He admires LeBron James and dreams of one day flying like Ironman.
Bennett Andersen – Tampa, FL (Jesuit High School)
Rounding out the Central Florida group is graduate guard Bennett Andersen from Tampa’s Jesuit High School. Andersen’s story is one of perseverance: after serving as a team manager for three seasons, he joined the Gators as a walk-on in 2023 and made his first appearances on the court as a senior.
A three-time intramural champion, Hillsborough County All-Star team member, and Rubik’s Cube whiz, Andersen brings a competitive spirit and love for the game that embodies what it means to be a Gator. His passion for the program runs deep — his parents are UF alums, and he grew up a devoted Florida fan.
Central Florida Talent at the Core of Gators’ Success
The impact of Central Florida’s basketball scene is evident in the University of Florida’s lineup. From Lake Wales to Orlando to Tampa, these athletes are not only representing their hometowns — they’re helping to shape the future of Gators basketball. Whether through highlight-reel performances or hard-earned minutes, their contributions are leaving a lasting mark on the program.
Source: https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster
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