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UK Basketball: Wall not interested in NBA

April 16, 2009|LARRY VAUGHT

John Wall, the nation's top prep point guard, says he wants to play college basketball next season and is not considering a jump to the NBA.

"That's just a rumor about me going to the NBA. I don't know how that got started," said Wall via telephone Thursday before practice in New York for the Jordan Brand Classic Saturday night.

Kentucky is one of several schools that the Raleigh, N.C., player is considering.

"I still really don't know where I am going or when I will make a decision," Wall said. "I have a lot of good options out there, but I still just don't know for sure what I want to do."

Wall admits there would be one big plus to playing for Calipari at Kentucky.

"He does a great job with getting guards ready to play in the NBA," Wall said. "He knows what he is doing, and I respect that. That's why Kentucky has a great shot at getting me even though I am still open in my recruiting."

Two all-star participants -- DeMarcus Cousins and Daniel Orton -- are talking to Wall about joining them at Kentucky.

"I am working on them," Cousins, who is also trying to persuade Kansas guard Xavier Henry to come to UK, said. "We are going to find out real soon what is going to happen and I still think we can get them to Kentucky."

Wall trying to make his own decision

Wall jokes that Cousins never quits talking to him about Kentucky.

"He talks about us playing together all the time," Wall said. "I listen, but I can't let that get to me."

Wall is excited about the chance to play in Madison Square Garden Saturday night and is enjoying being with many of the nation's top prep players.

"Things like this never get old. I love hanging out with great players and talking basketball," he said.

Wall says his game is not complicated.

"I like to get up and down the court. I can finish at the basket and score whenever I want to. I get my teammates involved, and I can play defense and run the team. My versatility is my biggest asset," he said. "If you are not having a good offensive game, you can still help your team with passing and defense. That's what I do."

Still, he knows he has work to do to be ready for next season no matter which school he picks.

"The college game is a different pace. It's just a different game than what it is in high school," he said. "Things you did in high school are not going to work in college. You have to make everything stronger and know that you will be mentally challenged."

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