Tyreke Evans: John Wall Made the Right Choice
Words. Jason Jordan
John Wall doesn’t remember when Tony Delk and Antoine Walker led Kentucky to a classic, 95-93, win over Arkansas in the SEC tournament in 1995.
He can’t tell you how long Rupp Arena’s been standing, and if you ask him to sing the Kentucky fight song he’ll probably just assume that you’re joking.
Wall, a 6-foot-4 senior point guard from Word of God Academy in Raleigh, N.C., committed to Kentucky Monday for one reason - new head coach John Calipari, who would have eventually lured Wall to Memphis had Calipari not left in April.
If everything goes according to plan, Wall’s stint in Lexington will span a year and he’ll vie for the top spot in the 2010 NBA Draft.
“It’s just that I’ve seen what coach Cal can do recently with (point guards) Derrick Rose and Tyreke Evans,” Wall told HighSchoolHoop Tuesday morning. “I just feel like coach Cal can get me where I want to be the fastest.”
Evans was on the same plan and flourished under Calipari’s tutelage, averaging 17.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game for Memphis. Now, Evans is preparing for the NBA Draft, where most project he’ll be a lock for the Lottery.
“It worked out for me,” Evans said of playing for Calipari.
Coming out of high school, Evans took notice to how Calipari developed Rose by letting him get out in transition and play off of his instincts.
“It was coach Cal’s offense,” says Evans. “I just felt that the dribble-drive offense fit me better because it would allow me the opportunity to create a lot more. John is the same type of guard so I think that will be a good fit for him too.”
Evans agreed with the newly-perceived consensus that NBA- bound point guards looking for a short stay in college would benefit more by signing with Calipari.
“He’s (Calipari) definitely gonna get John ready for the NBA,” says Evans. “He just lets you learn from your mistakes. That was a big transition for me because I began to settle down on my shot selection and started to make better decisions. I think that’s the best thing about playing for coach Cal, he lets you be free out there.”
That’s similar to what Wall was used to at Word of God, a free-flowing, transition offense that was good for about 10 SportsCenter-esque plays every game. Evans said that even Calipari’s practice drills are designed to keep the team in the mindset of running.
“Even basic drills like 3-on-2, he’s always urging us to run,” says Evans. “He just wants to see if you can push the ball and how fast. He always says that if you push the ball better things can happen for you and your teammates. That’s definitely gonna help John because he’s so fast.”
Still, as confident as he is in Calipari’s abilities, Evans conceded that it helps Calipari’s case to be able to point out successes with players that are close in age.
“It’s all about what you’ve seen recently,” says Evans. “I’m sure that all of the coaches recruiting John have developed point guards, but he might not be as familiar with them. With coach Cal it started with Darius Washington. Then Derrick Rose and then me. That lets John know exactly what he’s capable of doing, and it’s in his mind fresh because it just happened. Me and John are close friends and we talk often. I was just telling him to make the best decision for him. I feel like he definitely did that.”
Interesting to hear someone who’s been through what Wall will go through talk about this… Sweet…
I like what he said about Wall not knowing the past stars… That’s so true. Out of sight, out of mind.
If Calipari can mesh that talent into one solid unit they will be quite a force next season.
I’ve seen John wall play abot 7-8 times, this kid is for real. I have never seen in person or on tv someone who goes the length of the court equally as fast with the left-hand as his right-hand.
His size, physicality, exsplosiveness, court vision, defensive abilities…they are just outstanding.
I like him more than any point guard in this years draft or next years draft, that includes Ricky Rubio, B. Jennings, J.Flyn, P.mills even my man Ty Lawson! Thats how much i like this kid!
He’s stronger than BJ’S, more athletic than RR, from what i’ve seen he’s a better defender than both (i take highschool guards in to consideration, with RR and facing better comp). BJ didnt play a lick of d in highschool, so….! RR does have the experience and is also a great passer, i’m just not “SOLD” or, as “WOWED” over him as others seem to b. RR offensive game has long ways to go, i wonder if he can hold-up physically to the nba size and versitile guards.
Its nice to see Evans’ positive comments on playing under Coach Cal. One thing we haven’t seen from him or Rose is the “What did you not like” about your Memphis experience. It’ll be great seeing Wall play next year alongside all of the talent coming in to Kentucky. Since he’ll have more talent to back him up than Evans did, he may be able to accomplish even more than Evans and perhaps Rose did in their one year of college ball!