Discover the Heartwarming Journey of Florida Basketball Sensation Walter Clayton Jr. and His Adorable One-Year-Old Daughter Leilani

University of Florida basketball standout Walter Clayton Jr. aims for the NBA, yet his primary focus remains on being a devoted father.

The Florida Gators guard and his partner, Tatiyana Burney, celebrated the birth of their first child, daughter Leilani Leigh Clayton, in December 2023.

“My New Why,” wrote Clayton Jr., then a college junior, on Instagram alongside images of the newborn.

Following Leilani’s arrival, Clayton Jr. praises Burney, a longtime acquaintance from middle school, for being an unparalleled partner — assisting him in balancing the demands of basketball and parenthood, as noted by The Independent Florida Alligator.

“My girl, a shout out to her, has done an exceptional job letting me focus on basketball. She’s doing wonderfully as a mom and helps me become a better father,” he shared with Trials to Triumph‘s Freddie Stevenson in November 2024.

Here’s all you need to know about Walter Clayton Jr. and Tatiyana Burney’s daughter, Leilani.

She was born in December 2023 

Clayton Jr. and Burney’s daughter, Leilani Leigh Clayton, arrived on Dec. 11, 2023, weighing 6 lbs., 7 oz. at birth.

“Cute things come to those who wait 9 months,” Burney posted on Facebook to celebrate Leilani’s arrival.

The couple revealed their pregnancy news in May 2023, with Burney sharing a photo on Facebook of a “Baby Clayton” onesie alongside a sign reading: “The best things in life are sometimes unexpected.”

Leilani’s parents grew up together

Hailing from Lake Wales, Fla., Clayton Jr. and Burney first crossed paths in middle school, as noted by The Independent Florida Alligator.

The timeline of when they officially began dating remains unclear, but Clayton Jr.’s mother, Cherie Quarg, shared with the outlet that Burney has been a reliable presence in her son’s life since their high school years.

“After meeting [Tatiyana], I realized she allows him to be himself,” she remarked. “She understands that he is busy with sports and has always prioritized that. She seamlessly integrated into our family.”

Following Leilani’s birth, Burney relocated three hours north to Gainesville to reside with Clayton Jr. and support him during his final season at the University of Florida.

Clayton Jr. openly expresses his affection for Burney, frequently sharing about her on social media and acknowledging her in interviews.

“Because of you, I’m going to be a better man. Now I want to do things I have never done,” he posted on Instagram in May 2022, quoting lyrics from Kodak Black.

She watches her dad play basketball

Leilani has been cheering on her dad at his games since she was just a few months old, often seen wearing custom Clayton Jr. gear.

Recently, Clayton Jr. was spotted with his daughter at the SEC Championship, where the Florida Gators claimed victory over the Tennessee Volunteers on March 16.

Now, Clayton Jr. aspires to guide the Gators to an NCAA championship when they compete against the Houston Cougars in the championship game on April 7.

She is her dad’s “motivation”

During a conversation with The Independent Florida Alligator in December 2024, Clayton Jr. conveyed that becoming a father has intensified his desire to play in the NBA.

“[Leilani] relies on me to care for her. It’s an incredible source of motivation,” he stated, mentioning, “I genuinely believe [her birth] has contributed to my growth.”

Clayton Jr. is projected to be a first-round selection in the 2025 NBA Draft, according to Bleacher Report.

She is her mom’s “mini-me”

In December 2024, Burney celebrated her “mini me” with a heartfelt birthday message on Facebook.

“Watching you grow and achieve new milestones has been an incredible experience!” she expressed regarding Leilani. “Being a mom is challenging, but I would gladly do it all again just to be yours, my sweet girl. Mama’s got you 4L.”

Burney also expressed gratitude to Clayton Jr. for supporting their family and allowing her to take on the role of a stay-at-home mom.

“We cherish you dearly and appreciate you more than you could ever imagine,” she added.