John Wall compares self to Derrick RosePresumptive No. 1 pick in NBA draft has a lot in common with Bulls star
John Wall at predraft camp in Chicago. (Charles Rex Arbogast, Associated Press / May 20, 2010)
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James Anderson By K.C. Johnson, Tribune reporter
6:56 p.m. CDT, May 20, 2010
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John Wall and Derrick Rose share a common college coach and a common NBA ear from the most sought-after free agent in league history.
And, no, that doesn't mean John Calipari is coming to coach the Bulls and bringing LeBron James with him.
What it means is Wall, the presumptive No. 1 pick of the Wizards in the June 24 NBA draft, has some pretty high-profile friends on which he can lean.
"I talk to (Rose) and LeBron a lot," Wall said Thursday at the NBA's annual predraft camp. "They both had a lot of hype coming into the league. Derrick's a great player and person. I asked him for some advice because he's been through the same stuff I have. We have a good relationship."
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Like Rose's one year playing for Calipari at Memphis, Wall credited his one year with Calipari at Kentucky for preparing him to know what to expect as a point guard in the NBA.
"Everybody keeps trying to compare me to Derrick," Wall said. "We play similar with our speed. That's a great comparison. He's a great player, an All-Star. Why wouldn't you want to be compared to a player like that? But I also want my own identity."
What advice has Rose given Wall?
"You have to work hard," Wall said. "And you can't let stuff get to your head. You're going to hear both positive and negative. Whatever is negative, you have to work on. You can tell Derrick puts in the work in the gym to get better."
Bombs away: If the Bulls don't acquire Joe Johnson via free agency, perhaps they can draft him. Coincidentally, Kansas freshman Xavier Henry, Fresno State sophomore Paul George and Oklahoma State junior James Anderson all compared their games to Johnson's.
All three players participated in a spirited draft workout Sunday at Berto Center. The Bulls pick 17th.
"I'm a versatile player," said George, whose stock is rising. "That's what separates me from the other prospects."
Local flavor: Ohio State's Evan Turner, who said he makes 550 3-pointers daily, plans to work out for the Wizards. And while praising Wall, the St. Joseph product said he believes he still can be the top pick.
"Not to be arrogant or cocky, but I won every National Player of the Year award," Turner said. "That gives me inner confidence. I think I can help any team."
As for Notre Dame's Luke Harangody, he has no regrets about returning for his senior season after testing the NBA draft waters last year.
"I'm a better leader and feel older, more confident," Harangody said. "I have a chip on my shoulder this time."
Layups: Several executives called the Bulls' coaching job the league's best vacancy. … George offered a great line when asked if, during his interview with Bulls brass, he promised to deliver James during free agency. "He'd probably take all my minutes," George said. "But we'd be winning, so I'd be cool with that."
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I doubt there is one person whose opinion matters that has said Wall is better than Rose.
CAN71 (05/21/2010, 10:37 AM )
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adlkfjlwewe (05/20/2010, 10:46 PM )
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Can we all just wait for Wall to play at least ONE game in the NBA before annoiting he better than Rose? Come on people, he was great in COLLEGE! If that transfer over to the NBA, then you can start with all the accolades. Derrick Rose is a proven player and is an ALL-STAR. Those are facts. But now people are saying Wall is better? Based on what? He has not even played ONE game in the NBA yet???!!!
primerguy (05/20/2010, 10:21 PM )
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