The Athletic Legacy: 5 Key Facts About Walter Clayton Jr.'s Parents, Walter Clayton Sr. And Cherie Quarg

The meteoric rise of Walter Clayton Jr. from a standout collegiate guard at Florida and Iona to a first-round NBA Draft pick by the Utah Jazz in 2025 has put a spotlight on the foundational influences in his life. As of December 17, 2025, the most significant figures behind his success are his parents, Walter Clayton Sr. and Cherie Quarg, whose own athletic backgrounds and unwavering support from their hometown of Lake Wales, Florida, have been instrumental in shaping the young star's journey. Their story is not just one of support, but a tale of a multi-talented athletic legacy passed down through generations.

The family unit, including his sisters and his own young daughter, has been a constant presence, particularly during the high-pressure moments of the NBA Draft. While Walter Jr. is known for his calm demeanor and elite shooting on the court, that stability and talent are deeply rooted in the environment fostered by his parents, who both excelled in high school sports and prioritized an athletic and supportive home.

Walter Clayton Jr. Biography and Family Profile

Walter Clayton Jr.'s journey is a compelling narrative of a Florida native who climbed the ranks from a dual-sport high school athlete to a professional basketball player in the NBA. His family profile offers a clear picture of the support system that fueled his ambition.

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• Full Name: Walter Marterry Clayton Jr.
• Date of Birth: March 6, 2003
• Age: 22 (as of late 2025)
• Hometown: Lake Wales, Florida
• Parents: Walter Clayton Sr. and Cherie Quarg
• Siblings: Two sisters, Asia Harris and Giselle Clayton
• Partner: Tatiyana Burney
• Child: Daughter, Leilani Clayton
• Heritage: Biracial (Black and White heritage)
• High School: Lake Wales High School, Bartow High School (Bartow, FL)
• Colleges: Iona Gaels (2021–2023), Florida Gators (2023–2025)
• NBA Draft: 2025 NBA Draft, 1st Round (29th overall) by the Washington Wizards (rights later traded to the Utah Jazz)
• Current Team: Utah Jazz (Professional Basketball Player)

The Athletic Blueprint: Walter Clayton Sr. and Cherie Quarg’s Sporting Roots

It is no surprise that Walter Clayton Jr. possesses elite athleticism and a deep understanding of the game; his parents provided the athletic blueprint. Both Walter Clayton Sr. and Cherie Quarg were accomplished athletes in their own right, instilling a love for competition and a strong work ethic in their son.

Cherie Quarg: A Dual-Sport High School Star

Walter Jr.'s mother, Cherie Quarg, was a multi-talented athlete during her high school years. Cherie excelled in two different sports, demonstrating a versatile skill set that her son clearly inherited.

• Basketball: Cherie played high school basketball, giving her a direct understanding of the sport that has become her son's career.
• Softball: She was also a standout softball player, showcasing her athleticism across different disciplines.

Her experience in team sports is a crucial part of the family's athletic foundation, providing Walter Jr. with a mother who not only understood the physical demands but also the mental discipline required to compete at a high level. Cherie Quarg has been noted to reflect on her son's rise, indicating her continued close involvement and pride in his accomplishments, especially leading up to the NBA Draft.

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Walter Clayton Sr.: The Namesake and Basketball Influence

Walter Clayton Sr., the father and namesake, was also an athlete who focused on basketball. Having a father who played the same sport provided Walter Jr. with a unique mentor and role model from a very young age.

• Basketball: Walter Sr. excelled at playing basketball in high school.
• Mentorship: This shared history allows Walter Sr. to connect with his son's career on a deeper level, offering guidance that goes beyond typical parental support.

The combination of both parents having a strong athletic background created an environment where Walter Jr.'s talent was recognized, nurtured, and encouraged from the beginning. This deep-seated athletic legacy is a powerful, yet often unseen, factor in the success of professional athletes.

Hometown Roots and the Biracial Identity

The family's connection to Lake Wales, Florida, is another key component of Walter Clayton Jr.'s identity and his parents' story. The family hails from this Polk County region, and their support for Walter Jr. has been a source of pride for the local community.

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Walter Jr. was born in Sebring, Florida, but later moved to Lake Wales, where he attended high school. This strong regional tie means his parents are not just figures in his personal life, but recognizable members of the community who have watched their son grow into a national star.

Furthermore, Walter Clayton Jr. identifies as biracial, possessing both Black and white heritage. This aspect of his identity, nurtured by his parents, is a key part of his life experience growing up in Florida. The family's background speaks to a rich, diverse heritage that contributes to the player's unique perspective and resilience on and off the court.

The New Generation: Grandparents and the NBA Draft Spotlight

The family dynamic became a viral sensation during the 2025 NBA Draft, shifting the spotlight to the newest generation of the Clayton family: Walter Jr.'s daughter, Leilani. While Walter Sr. and Cherie Quarg were undoubtedly present and proud, the heartwarming moment that captured national attention involved Walter Jr. and his child.

• Daughter Leilani: Walter Jr. and his girlfriend, Tatiyana Burney, have a daughter, Leilani. Her birth became a major motivator for Walter Jr., fueling his performance and dedication to his career.
• Draft Night Moment: During the NBA Draft, a moment where Leilani pointed to her father on the screen and said, "That's daddy," went viral. This public display of family love underscored the profound impact that fatherhood has had on Walter Jr.'s drive.

This event solidified the parents' legacy—not just as athletes, but as the foundation for a close-knit, supportive family that now includes a new generation. Walter Sr. and Cherie Quarg's role has evolved into that of proud grandparents, witnessing the culmination of their son's hard work and their own lifelong support on the biggest stage in professional basketball.

The Enduring Influence of Family Support

From his high school days in Lake Wales and Bartow to his collegiate career at Iona and the University of Florida, and now with the Utah Jazz, the enduring influence of Walter Clayton Sr. and Cherie Quarg remains constant. They provided the early exposure to sports, the genetic athletic gifts, and the consistent emotional support that are essential for navigating the highly competitive world of professional basketball.

The family's commitment is evident in the efforts made by Walter Jr.'s girlfriend, Tatiyana Burney, to travel from Lake Wales to Gainesville during his time at Florida, ensuring the family could spend time together. This logistical and emotional support network, anchored by the parents, is what allows a player to focus on the game. The story of Walter Clayton Jr.'s parents is a powerful reminder that behind every professional athlete is a dedicated family whose own history and sacrifices pave the way for success.