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The Washington Wizards selected John Wall from the University of Kentucky with the first overall pick in the first round of tonight’s 2010 NBA Draft.
“Obviously the number one overall selection in the draft is a unique opportunity for a franchise, a city and a fan base,” said Wizards Majority Owner Ted Leonsis. “The selection of John Wall is exciting for any number of reasons, but his combination of talent coupled with a supreme passion to win is what excites me most. Our best players need to be the hardest workers and the most coachable, and John has those characteristics.”
Wall, 19, was an early entry candidate in the 2010 NBA Draft after playing one season at Kentucky. The 6-4 point guard was voted as the Adolph Rupp National Player of the Year, the SEC Player of Year and National Freshman of the Year after averaging 16.6 points, 6.5 assists (with a Kentucky single-season record of 241 total assists), 4.3 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game.
“We were fortunate to win the lottery and take a tremendous step in rebuilding this team by drafting John Wall,” said Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld. “We will now work hard to continue to move the process forward and put the best possible team on the floor by putting players around John who share his commitment to winning, attitude and work ethic.”
Wall was also a finalist for the Oscar Robertson Trophy, Bob Cousy Award and John Wooden Award after leading Kentucky to the Elite Eight and becoming the first player in the school’s illustrious history to record double-doubles in both points/rebounds and points/assists.
“This is a big honor,” said Wall. “To be the first player ever to be chosen No. 1 overall from Kentucky means a lot. Now in Washington we all have to become brothers as a team. We’ll work hard to try to get better every day, develop together and win games. I’m excited for the opportunity.”
Leonsis, Grunfeld and Head Coach Flip Saunders will join Wall at an introductory press conference tomorrow, Friday, June 25th, at 12:00 pm on the Wizards practice court on the event level of Verizon Center.