John Wall (basketball)
Encyclopedia
Johnathan Hildred Wall, Jr. (born September 6, 1990) is an American
basketball player with the Washington Wizards
of the National Basketball Association
. Wall was chosen first overall in the 2010 NBA Draft
by the Wizards. He played for the University of Kentucky
.
Wall played AAU
basketball for D-One Sports.
in Garner, North Carolina
. After his second season, his family moved to Raleigh, and Wall repeated his sophomore year at Needham B. Broughton High School
. Despite a very impressive tryout, Wall was cut from the Broughton basketball team for attitude-related issues. As a result Wall transferred from Broughton High School to Word of God Christian Academy
, also in Raleigh.
In the summer of 2007, after his sophomore year of high school, Wall was invited to the 2007 Reebok All-American Camp in Philadelphia. Wall distinguished himself from the competition, scoring 28 points against a team that featured future lottery pick Brandon Jennings
.
In 2008, Wall played in the Elite 24 Hoops Classic. Wall scored 10 points and earned co-MVP honors with Dominic Cheek, Maalik Wayns and Lance Stephenson
.
As a fifth-year senior in the 2009, Wall averaged 19.7 points, 9 assists and over 8 rebounds for Word of God Christian Academy and was ranked as one of the best high school basketball players in his class. Wall led Word of God to the North Carolina Class 1A state championship where they were defeated by United Faith Christian Academy
56-53 after United Faith's Ian Miller hit a 40 foot shot at the buzzer. Wall scored 11 points in the game. He was selected to participate in the 2009 Nike Hoop Summit
in Portland, Oregon
. He scored 13 points to go along with 11 assists and 5 steals. He was also selected to play in the 2009 Jordan Brand Classic
at Madison Square Garden
where he notched 6 assists.
, Duke University
, Georgia Tech, and the University of Kansas
. Wall committed to attend the University of Kentucky
on May 19, 2009. Wall and his teammates were introduced to Kentucky fans through the annual Big Blue Madness event. At this event, which had more attention to it than normally given due to the anticipated recruiting class, players were introduced with music one at a time at a raised platform high above the arena. This is when John Wall first performed what has come to be known as the "John Wall Dance
" – turning his right arm in a biceps "flex", then rotating his hand out. This dance has taken on a life of its own through web viewings, photos of people doing the dance across the world, and more. He was suspended by the NCAA from Kentucky's first exhibition game and first regular season game, for travel benefits he received from his AAU coach, Brian Clifton, who was a certified agent at the time. In his first action as a Wildcat, in an exhibition game against Clarion University of Pennsylvania
, Wall led his team with 27 points and 9 assists in 28 minutes of playing time.
| align="left" | 2009–10
| align="left" | Kentucky
| 37 || 37 || 34.8 || .461 || .325 || .754 || 4.3 || 6.5 || 1.8 || 0.5 || 16.6
|-
| align="left" | Career
| align="left" |
| 37 || 37 || 34.8 || .461 || .325 || .754 || 4.3 || 6.5 || 1.8 || 0.5 || 16.6
. Draft rules stated that American players must turn 19 during the year of the draft, and must be a year removed from their regular high school class. NBA spokesman Tim Frank told sportswriter Chad Ford
that the league was not sure if Wall met the second criterion, and that league officials would need to "do [their] due diligence to determine his eligibility". However, Wall announced in April 2009 that he was not entering the 2009 NBA Draft. Wall was expected to be the first player drafted in the 2009 NBA Draft
before his first season at Kentucky.
, where he was expected to be the first overall selection for the Washington Wizards. On May 3, Wall signed with agent Dan Fegan
.
On June 23, 2010, Reebok
revealed Wall as its latest signing, casting him as the face of its latest basketball shoe, the ZigTech Slash. On June 24, 2010, Wall was drafted as the first overall pick by the Washington Wizards in the 2010 NBA Draft. On June 25, 2010, Mayor Adrian Fenty of Washington D.C. declared June 25 as John Wall Day on a plaque handed to John Wall during his Washington Wizards' presser.
. He had 14 points, 9 assists, and 3 steals. In his third game, his first home game, he tied a franchise record with nine steals, and became only the second player in NBA history to get nine assists or more in each of his first three games. On November 10, Wall recorded his first career triple-double
with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and 13 assists to go along with 6 steals and only 1 turnover. In doing so, Wall became the second rookie
, along with Magic Johnson
, to record a triple-double with six steals in his first six games. Wall was the third youngest player to record a triple-double in NBA history. John Wall was named 2011 Rookie Game MVP during the 2011 All-Star Weekend. Wall was also named Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month from January-April and finished 2nd in Rookie of the Year voting behind unanimous selection Blake Griffin
and was named to the NBA All-Rookie 1st Team
.
| align="left" | 2010–11
| align="left" | Washington
| 69 || 64 || 37.8 || .409 || .296 || .766 || 4.6 || 8.3 || 1.8 || 0.5 || 16.4
|-class="sortbottom"
| align="left" | Career
| align="left" |
| 69 || 64 || 37.8 || .409 || .296 || .766 || 4.6 || 8.3 || 1.8 || 0.5 || 16.4
On cover of February 2011, SLAM
On cover of January 11, 2010, Sports Illustrated
On cover of January 12, 2010, Sporting News
On cover of March 2010, SLAM
(with team)
On cover of May–June 2010, Dime Magazine
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
basketball player with the Washington Wizards
Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards are a professional basketball team based in Washington, D.C., previously known as Washington Bullets. They play in the National Basketball Association .-Early years:...
of the National Basketball Association
National Basketball Association
The National Basketball Association is the pre-eminent men's professional basketball league in North America. It consists of thirty franchised member clubs, of which twenty-nine are located in the United States and one in Canada...
. Wall was chosen first overall in the 2010 NBA Draft
2010 NBA Draft
The 2010 NBA Draft was held on June 24, 2010 at the Theatre at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. The draft, which started at 7:00 pm Eastern Daylight Time , was broadcast in the United States on ESPN. In this draft, National Basketball Association teams took turns selecting amateur...
by the Wizards. He played for the University of Kentucky
University of Kentucky
The University of Kentucky, also known as UK, is a public co-educational university and is one of the state's two land-grant universities, located in Lexington, Kentucky...
.
Youth
Wall is the son of Frances Pulley and John Carroll Wall, Sr., who was in prison for most of Wall's childhood for robbery with a dangerous weapon. When Wall was 9 years old, his father was released from prison but died of liver cancer a month later, on August 24, 1999 at the age of 52. Throughout his childhood, Wall's mother worked multiple jobs to support Wall, his sister, Cierra, and his half-sister, Tonya.Wall played AAU
Amateur Athletic Union
The Amateur Athletic Union is one of the largest non-profit volunteer sports organizations in the United States. A multi-sport organization, the AAU is dedicated exclusively to the promotion and development of amateur sports and physical fitness programs.-History:The AAU was founded in 1888 to...
basketball for D-One Sports.
High school career
Wall played his first two years of high school basketball at Garner Magnet High SchoolGarner Magnet High School
Garner Magnet High School is a 4AA school in the Wake County Public School System . GMHS has a current enrollment of 2311 students...
in Garner, North Carolina
Garner, North Carolina
Garner is a town in Wake County, North Carolina, United States and a suburb of Raleigh. The population was 17,757 at the 2000 census and was 27,533 in 2009.-Geography:Garner is located at ....
. After his second season, his family moved to Raleigh, and Wall repeated his sophomore year at Needham B. Broughton High School
Needham B. Broughton High School
Needham Bryant Broughton High School, or simply Broughton High School, is one of the flagship schools of the Wake County Public School System. It is located at 723 St. Mary's Street, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States. Broughton was named after the Raleigh aristocrat, Needham B. Broughton, who...
. Despite a very impressive tryout, Wall was cut from the Broughton basketball team for attitude-related issues. As a result Wall transferred from Broughton High School to Word of God Christian Academy
Word of God Christian Academy
Word of God Christian Academy is a private, Christian, coeducational, primary and secondary day school located in Raleigh, North Carolina, United States. Also known as Word of God, the school was founded in 1993.-Famous Alumni:...
, also in Raleigh.
In the summer of 2007, after his sophomore year of high school, Wall was invited to the 2007 Reebok All-American Camp in Philadelphia. Wall distinguished himself from the competition, scoring 28 points against a team that featured future lottery pick Brandon Jennings
Brandon Jennings
Brandon Jennings is an American professional basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks of the National Basketball Association who plays at point guard....
.
In 2008, Wall played in the Elite 24 Hoops Classic. Wall scored 10 points and earned co-MVP honors with Dominic Cheek, Maalik Wayns and Lance Stephenson
Lance Stephenson
Lance Stephenson, Jr. is an American professional basketball player for the Indiana Pacers. He was drafted with the 40th overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft. He is a shooting guard and attended Lincoln High School in the Coney Island section of Brooklyn...
.
As a fifth-year senior in the 2009, Wall averaged 19.7 points, 9 assists and over 8 rebounds for Word of God Christian Academy and was ranked as one of the best high school basketball players in his class. Wall led Word of God to the North Carolina Class 1A state championship where they were defeated by United Faith Christian Academy
United Faith Christian Academy
United Faith Christian Academy is a Christian college-preparatory school for children in kindergarten to 12th grade that was founded in 1985. Its two-building facility is located in Charlotte, NC. The school is affiliated with United Faith Assembly of God and is a member of the Association of...
56-53 after United Faith's Ian Miller hit a 40 foot shot at the buzzer. Wall scored 11 points in the game. He was selected to participate in the 2009 Nike Hoop Summit
Nike Hoop Summit
The Nike Hoop Summit is a basketball all-star game sponsored by Nike, held once a year, which features the USA Basketball Men's Junior Select Team against a World Select team of international players. The players demonstrate their skills and hope to attract attention from either NBA scouts or...
in Portland, Oregon
Portland, Oregon
Portland is a city located in the Pacific Northwest, near the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers in the U.S. state of Oregon. As of the 2010 Census, it had a population of 583,776, making it the 29th most populous city in the United States...
. He scored 13 points to go along with 11 assists and 5 steals. He was also selected to play in the 2009 Jordan Brand Classic
Jordan Brand Classic
The Jordan Brand Classic, presented by Foot Locker is a high school All-Star basketball game played annually in April. The game's rosters feature the best and most highly-recruited high school boys in the senior class. The 2011 game will mark the 10th anniversary of the Jordan Brand Classic.The...
at Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden, often abbreviated as MSG and known colloquially as The Garden, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in the New York City borough of Manhattan and located at 8th Avenue, between 31st and 33rd Streets, situated on top of Pennsylvania Station.Opened on February 11, 1968, it is the...
where he notched 6 assists.
College career
Wall was originally recruited by the University of KentuckyUniversity of Kentucky
The University of Kentucky, also known as UK, is a public co-educational university and is one of the state's two land-grant universities, located in Lexington, Kentucky...
, Duke University
Duke University
Duke University is a private research university located in Durham, North Carolina, United States. Founded by Methodists and Quakers in the present day town of Trinity in 1838, the school moved to Durham in 1892. In 1924, tobacco industrialist James B...
, Georgia Tech, and the University of Kansas
University of Kansas
The University of Kansas is a public research university and the largest university in the state of Kansas. KU campuses are located in Lawrence, Wichita, Overland Park, and Kansas City, Kansas with the main campus being located in Lawrence on Mount Oread, the highest point in Lawrence. The...
. Wall committed to attend the University of Kentucky
University of Kentucky
The University of Kentucky, also known as UK, is a public co-educational university and is one of the state's two land-grant universities, located in Lexington, Kentucky...
on May 19, 2009. Wall and his teammates were introduced to Kentucky fans through the annual Big Blue Madness event. At this event, which had more attention to it than normally given due to the anticipated recruiting class, players were introduced with music one at a time at a raised platform high above the arena. This is when John Wall first performed what has come to be known as the "John Wall Dance
John Wall Dance
The John Wall Dance is a dance performed by flexing the arms and twisting the wrist. John Wall first performed the eponymous dance during his introduction at Big Blue Madness at the University of Kentucky in October 2009. Wall says that his idea for the dance came from the music video of the song...
" – turning his right arm in a biceps "flex", then rotating his hand out. This dance has taken on a life of its own through web viewings, photos of people doing the dance across the world, and more. He was suspended by the NCAA from Kentucky's first exhibition game and first regular season game, for travel benefits he received from his AAU coach, Brian Clifton, who was a certified agent at the time. In his first action as a Wildcat, in an exhibition game against Clarion University of Pennsylvania
Clarion University of Pennsylvania
Clarion University of Pennsylvania, located on a campus in Clarion, Pennsylvania, is one of fourteen universities of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education ....
, Wall led his team with 27 points and 9 assists in 28 minutes of playing time.
- 11/16/09 – In his collegiate debut at Kentucky versus Miami University2009–10 Miami RedHawks men's basketball teamThe 2009–10 Miami RedHawks basketball team will represent Miami University in the college basketball season of 2009–10. The team is coached by Charlie Coles and will play their homes game in Millett Hall.-Roster Changes:...
, Wall made the game winning shot with .5 seconds left on the clock to help then # 5 ranked Kentucky2009–10 Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball teamThe 2009–10 Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball team represented the University of Kentucky during the college basketball season of 2009–2010. This season was the first of John Calipari's tenure as head coach; he accepted the position on March 31, 2009....
win. He finished with 19 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals.
- 11/19/09 – In his 2nd career game, against Sam Houston StateSam Houston State BearkatsThe Bearkats represent Sam Houston State University in intercollegiate athletics.Sam Houston State's colors are orange and white and their mascot is the Bearkats. Sam Houston State sports teams participate in NCAA Division I in the Southland Conference. SHSU's primary rival is Stephen F...
, Wall topped his debut performance with 21 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists in a 102–92 winning effort.
- 11/21/09 – In his 3rd career game, against RiderRider UniversityRider University is a private, coeducational and nonsectarian university located chiefly in Lawrenceville, in Mercer County, New Jersey, United States...
, Wall scored 21 points, grabbing 6 rebounds, 11 assists, and having only 2 turnovers.
- 11/24/09 – In his 5th career game, against StanfordStanford Cardinal men's basketballThe Stanford Cardinal Men's Basketball team represents Stanford University, located in Stanford, California, United States. The school's team currently competes in the Pacific-12 Conference. The team has won 13 conference championships , the last in 2004, and one NCAA championship, in 1942...
, Wall scored a career high 23 points, hitting 2 free throws with 2.4 seconds left to send the game in to overtime.
- 12/05/09 – In his 7th career game Wall and the Wildcats faced one of their major rivals, North Carolina2009–10 North Carolina Tar Heels men's basketball teamThe 2009–10 North Carolina Tar Heels men's basketball team represented the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Their head coach was Roy Williams. The team played its home games in the Dean Smith Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and is a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference. They...
, who was ranked #10 at the time. Wall battled cramping throughout the game but was able to lead his team to victory despite the fact that they squandered a double digit lead in the second half, with the final score being 68–66. Wall contributed 16 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals.
- 12/09/09 – In his first game in Madison Square Garden, against then-ranked #12 Connecticut2009–10 Connecticut Huskies men's basketball teamThe 2009–10 Connecticut Huskies men's basketball team represented the University of Connecticut in the 2009–2010 NCAA Division I basketball season. The Huskies were coached by Jim Calhoun and played their home games at the XL Center in Hartford, Connecticut, and on campus at the Harry A. Gampel...
, Wall scored a team-high 25 points, to go with 6 steals, and scored 12 of UK's last 15 points for a 64–61 victory, moving Kentucky to #3 on the AP polls.
- 12/12/09 – Against UK's rebuilding rival IndianaIndiana Hoosiers men's basketballThe Indiana Hoosiers men's basketball team is the intercollegiate men's basketball program representing Indiana University . The school competes in the Big Ten Conference in Division I of the NCAA. The Hoosiers play on Branch McCracken Court at the Assembly Hall in Bloomington, Indiana on the IU...
, Wall scored a career-low 11 points and turned the ball over once, while playing all but one minute of the game. This game marked the third time in Wall's 9-game career that he scored at least 10 points and had at least 8 assists, which leaves him 2 games away from tying a UK record, which was set by Wayne TurnerWayne TurnerWayne Keon Turner is an American professional basketball player. He played high school basketball at Beaver Country Day School in Brookline, Massachusetts...
.
- 12/29/09 – Against Hartford Wall set the UK single game assist record with 16, 11 in the 1st half, and only 1 turnover. The mark was previously held by Travis FordTravis FordTravis Ford is an American college basketball coach. He is currently the men's head coach at Oklahoma State University. He was previously the head coach at Campbellsville University, Eastern Kentucky University, and the University of Massachusetts...
, at 15, and was broken on Ford's 40th birthday. Wall failed to break double digits in scoring (9 points) for the first time in his college career.
College statistics
|-| align="left" | 2009–10
2009–10 Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball team
The 2009–10 Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball team represented the University of Kentucky during the college basketball season of 2009–2010. This season was the first of John Calipari's tenure as head coach; he accepted the position on March 31, 2009....
| align="left" | Kentucky
Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball
The Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball team, representing the University of Kentucky, is the winningest in the history of college basketball, both in all-time wins and all-time winning percentage. Kentucky's all-time record currently stands at 2058–647...
| 37 || 37 || 34.8 || .461 || .325 || .754 || 4.3 || 6.5 || 1.8 || 0.5 || 16.6
|-
| align="left" | Career
| align="left" |
| 37 || 37 || 34.8 || .461 || .325 || .754 || 4.3 || 6.5 || 1.8 || 0.5 || 16.6
Professional career
Because Wall was a fifth-year high school senior in 2009 and would turn 19 by the end of the year, some sources argued that he would be eligible for the 2009 NBA Draft2009 NBA Draft
The 2009 NBA Draft was held on June 25, 2009, the WaMu Theatre at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. In this draft, National Basketball Association teams took turns selecting amateur U.S...
. Draft rules stated that American players must turn 19 during the year of the draft, and must be a year removed from their regular high school class. NBA spokesman Tim Frank told sportswriter Chad Ford
Chad Ford
Chad Ford is an Assistant Professor at Brigham Young University – Hawaii and is Director over the McKay Center and is known for his study of conflict resolution with an emphasis on large group ethnic and religious conflict and for his sports journalism with ESPN.-Early life:Ford was born in Kansas...
that the league was not sure if Wall met the second criterion, and that league officials would need to "do [their] due diligence to determine his eligibility". However, Wall announced in April 2009 that he was not entering the 2009 NBA Draft. Wall was expected to be the first player drafted in the 2009 NBA Draft
2009 NBA Draft
The 2009 NBA Draft was held on June 25, 2009, the WaMu Theatre at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. In this draft, National Basketball Association teams took turns selecting amateur U.S...
before his first season at Kentucky.
Washington Wizards (2010–present)
On April 7, 2010, Wall announced that he would forgo his final three seasons of collegiate eligibility and enter the 2010 NBA Draft2010 NBA Draft
The 2010 NBA Draft was held on June 24, 2010 at the Theatre at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. The draft, which started at 7:00 pm Eastern Daylight Time , was broadcast in the United States on ESPN. In this draft, National Basketball Association teams took turns selecting amateur...
, where he was expected to be the first overall selection for the Washington Wizards. On May 3, Wall signed with agent Dan Fegan
Dan Fegan
Dan Fegan is a prominent NBA agent. He is a graduate of Yale Law School and operates out of a Los Angeles law firm. His first client was Chris Dudley, a friend from Yale.-References:* Abbott, Henry . Accessed October 2011....
.
On June 23, 2010, Reebok
Reebok
Reebok International Limited, a subsidiary of the German sportswear company Adidas since 2005, is a producer of Athletic shoes, apparel, and accessories. The name comes from the Afrikaans spelling of rhebok, a type of African antelope or gazelle...
revealed Wall as its latest signing, casting him as the face of its latest basketball shoe, the ZigTech Slash. On June 24, 2010, Wall was drafted as the first overall pick by the Washington Wizards in the 2010 NBA Draft. On June 25, 2010, Mayor Adrian Fenty of Washington D.C. declared June 25 as John Wall Day on a plaque handed to John Wall during his Washington Wizards' presser.
2010–2011 (rookie season)
Wall was named the Most Outstanding Player at the 2010 Las Vegas Summer League, averaging 23.5 points, 7.8 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 2.5 steals in 32.3 minutes per game. Wall made his NBA debut in a 112-83 loss to the Orlando MagicOrlando Magic
The Orlando Magic is a professional basketball team based in Orlando, Florida. They play in the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association and are currently coached by Stan Van Gundy...
. He had 14 points, 9 assists, and 3 steals. In his third game, his first home game, he tied a franchise record with nine steals, and became only the second player in NBA history to get nine assists or more in each of his first three games. On November 10, Wall recorded his first career triple-double
Double (basketball)
In basketball, a double is the accumulation of a double-digit number total in one of five statistical categories—points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocked shots—in a game. Multiple players usually score double-digit points in any given basketball game; the double nomenclature is usually...
with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and 13 assists to go along with 6 steals and only 1 turnover. In doing so, Wall became the second rookie
Rookie
Rookie is a term for a person who is in his or her first year of play of their sport or has little or no professional experience. The term also has the more general meaning of anyone new to a profession, training or activity Rookie is a term for a person who is in his or her first year of play of...
, along with Magic Johnson
Magic Johnson
Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr. is a retired American professional basketball player who played point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association . After winning championships in high school and college, Johnson was selected first overall in the 1979 NBA Draft by the Lakers...
, to record a triple-double with six steals in his first six games. Wall was the third youngest player to record a triple-double in NBA history. John Wall was named 2011 Rookie Game MVP during the 2011 All-Star Weekend. Wall was also named Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month from January-April and finished 2nd in Rookie of the Year voting behind unanimous selection Blake Griffin
Blake Griffin
Blake Austin Griffin is an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Clippers of the National Basketball Association . Griffin had a renowned high school career at Oklahoma Christian School, winning state titles each of his four years under his father, Tommy Griffin, who was the...
and was named to the NBA All-Rookie 1st Team
NBA All-Rookie Team
The NBA All-Rookie Team is an annual National Basketball Association honor given since the 1962–63 NBA season to the top rookies during the regular season. Voting is conducted by the NBA head coaches; who are not allowed to vote for players on their own team. The All-Rookie Team is generally...
.
Regular season
|-| align="left" | 2010–11
2010–11 NBA season
The 2010–11 NBA season was the 65th season of the National Basketball Association . The 2011 NBA All-Star Game was played on February 20, 2011 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Miami Heat in six games, 4 games to 2, to win their first NBA title, and...
| align="left" | Washington
Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards are a professional basketball team based in Washington, D.C., previously known as Washington Bullets. They play in the National Basketball Association .-Early years:...
| 69 || 64 || 37.8 || .409 || .296 || .766 || 4.6 || 8.3 || 1.8 || 0.5 || 16.4
|-class="sortbottom"
| align="left" | Career
| align="left" |
| 69 || 64 || 37.8 || .409 || .296 || .766 || 4.6 || 8.3 || 1.8 || 0.5 || 16.4
NBA
- 2011 T-Mobile Rookie Challenge MVP
- 2010 Las Vegas Summer League Most Outstanding Player
On cover of February 2011, SLAM
SLAM Magazine
SLAM Magazine is an American basketball magazine in circulation since 1994, published by Source Interlink. SLAM publishes nine issues a year to its circulation of over 500,000 readers worldwide.-History:...
College
- 2010 SEC Tournament MVP
- 2010 SEC Tournament First Team
- 2009–10 SEC Player of the Year
- 2009–10 First Team All-SEC
- 2009–10 SEC All Freshman Team
- 2009–10 John R. Wooden Award Finalist
- 2009–10 Yahoo! Sports National Player of the Year
- 2009–10 Yahoo! Sports First Team All-American
- 2009–10 Yahoo! Sports SEC Player of the Year
- 2009–10 Yahoo! Sports SEC Freshman of the Year
- 2009–10 Yahoo! Sports First Team All-SEC
- 2009–10 Sporting News First Team All-American
- 2009–10 Sporting News National Freshman of the Year
- 2009–10 Sporting News First Team All-Freshman
- 2009–10 Associated Press SEC Player of the Year
- 2009–10 Associated Press SEC Newcomer of the Year
- 2009–10 Associated Press First Team All-SEC
- 2009–10 CBS Sports First Team All-American
- 2009–10 CBS Sports National Freshman of the Year
- 2009–10 CBS Sports First Team Freshman All-American
- 2009–10 CBS Sports SEC Player of the Year
- 2009–10 CBS Sports SEC Freshman of the Year
- 2009–10 CBS Sports First Team All-SEC
- 2009–10 Fox Sports First Team All-American
- 2009–10 Fox Sports National Freshman of the Year
- 2009–10 Fox Sports All-Freshman Team
- 2009–10 U.S. Basketball Writers Association's First Team All-America Team
- 2009–10 U.S. Basketball Writers Association District IV Player of the Year
- 2009–10 U.S. Basketball Writers Association District IV All-District Team
- Named ESPN National Player of the Week (11/16 – 11/22) in first week of collegiate career.
- Named MVP of 2009 Cancun Challenge (11/25).
- Named SEC Freshman of the Week, a record, 4 straight weeks (11/23, 11/30, 12/7, and 12/14). Note: First 4 weeks of his Collegiate career.
On cover of January 11, 2010, Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated is an American sports media company owned by media conglomerate Time Warner. Its self titled magazine has over 3.5 million subscribers and is read by 23 million adults each week, including over 18 million men. It was the first magazine with circulation over one million to win the...
On cover of January 12, 2010, Sporting News
On cover of March 2010, SLAM
SLAM Magazine
SLAM Magazine is an American basketball magazine in circulation since 1994, published by Source Interlink. SLAM publishes nine issues a year to its circulation of over 500,000 readers worldwide.-History:...
(with team)
On cover of May–June 2010, Dime Magazine
Dime Magazine
Dime Magazine is an American basketball magazine that began circulation in 2001. Dime publishes six issues a year for its worldwide readership, as well as a handful of editions of Dime China, a Chinese-language version consisting of regular Dime content translated from English and original content...
Records
- Most points in a season by a UK Freshman
- Most assists in a season, 241 by a UK Player and by a UK Freshman
- Most assists in a game, 16, by a UK Player and by a UK Freshman
- T-7th for most Steals in a game, 6, by a UK Player on two occasions 11/30/2009 & 12/9/2009.
- First UK player to be drafted 1st overall in the NBA Draft