Florida walk-on Bennett Anderson granted $10,000 scholarship by Walk-On’s

Walter Clayton needs no introduction at this point. Florida walk-on Bennett Anderson, on the other hand, is just beginning to make his name in the world of college basketball.

But he’s catching up in a hurry after a couple Sweet 16 moments went viral. After all, it’s not every day that a walk-on scores in the NCAA Tournament.

It’s even rarer that a bucket would come in the Sweet 16. The Florida walk-on snagged that distinction when he checked in with 1:06 remaining against Maryland, quickly grabbed an offensive rebound and then finished off a putback layup.

The entire arena went nuts, while Florida’s bench went whooping and hollering. Anderson was a star.

On Tuesday at the team’s practice back in Gainesville, there was a special guest waiting to greet the team. It was a representative from Walk-On’s, a popular sports bistro that spans across much of the southern United States. He had a message for the team. And Bennett Anderson, the Florida walk-on, in particular.

“What we do at Walk-Ons is we like to celebrate the heart of a walk-on,” the representative said. “We like to find stories. In the Sweet 16, Bennett, you inspired us. Our team got together and they said, ‘Look at this guy.’ I mean all these roots that you’re planting right now, whether or not, how many minutes you get, you’re an integral part of this team, and I think every one of your teammates and coaches would say that.

“So I just wanted to come and personally congratulate you and thank you for being an inspiration for so many walk-ons like me and you and your teammates in the world.”

Bennett Anderson was all smiles as his teammates also looked on in appreciation. Then the representative stopped.

“One more thing I forgot,” he said. “We also give scholarships and you just got one.”

Immediately, a large check was brought out and presented to Florida walk-on Bennett Anderson, made out in the amount of $10,000. A nice chunk of change to help offset the cost of school, room and board, you name it.

Anderson was immediately swarmed by the team, which you can view below. It was one of the most heart-warming moments of the NCAA Tournament.

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