GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Just days after securing their thrilling NCAA Championship title, three standout players from the Florida Gators men’s basketball team traded their jerseys for aprons in a lighthearted celebration that brought them face-to-face with their biggest supporters.
Gators shooting guard Alijah Martin, forward Thomas Haugh, and star point guard Walter Clayton Jr. stepped behind the counter at Raising Cane’s in Gainesville for a special appearance that gave fans the chance to meet their champions in person—and get their chicken served by them too.
“It just goes to show that hard work and dedication really do pay off,” Martin said, reflecting on the team’s journey to the top of college basketball. “If you stay committed, you can make your dreams a reality.”
The restaurant was buzzing with excitement as the championship trio greeted fans, took orders, handed out meals, and posed for photos with enthusiastic guests. The event was both a celebration and a heartfelt thank-you to the Gainesville community that supported the team through every high and low of the season.
“Anytime you win a championship, it’s a special moment—not just for us as players, but for everyone who’s been behind us,” said Clayton. “Our fans showed up all year long. This is just our way of showing appreciation.”
Still riding the wave of their national title win, the Gators stars seemed just as excited about the atmosphere in the restaurant as they were about their recent victory. For Walter Clayton Jr., the magnitude of their success hasn’t fully sunk in yet.
“It’s still surreal,” he said. “A bunch of us keep saying it over and over—we can’t believe it actually happened. But here we are, celebrating with the people who helped make it possible.”
In addition to working the counter, the players also made time to record social media content and enjoy some of Raising Cane’s signature chicken fingers and fries. Whether on the court or in the kitchen, the Gators are clearly riding a winning streak.
This fun fan interaction follows in the footsteps of Florida’s rich basketball legacy, echoing the excitement of the “Gator Boys” era from 2007. With their championship victory and newfound off-court charm, this team is proving they’ve got the personality—and the talent—to carry that legacy forward.
For now, Gainesville is celebrating not just champions but hometown heroes who know how to have fun while staying humble. And with the energy these players bring, fans can expect even more winning moments, on and off the hardwood.
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