Todd Golden added substantial firepower to his backcourt for next season landing Iona transfer Walter Clayton Jr.

Clayton was named MAAC Player of the Year this past season after averaging 16.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists for the Gaels.

The 6-2 guard visited both Florida and his former Iona coach turned new St. John’s head coach Rick Pitino in New York, but in the end the proximity to his hometown of Lake Wales, Fla., ultimately helped to keep him in state.

Clayton will immediately fill a scoring need from the perimeter and his ability to create offense for himself and his teammates could bolster Golden’s offense; still his defensive prowess is what sets him apart and makes him such an important get for Golden next season.