Among his numerous “I’m No. 1” interviews tonight, John Wall talked to the corps of reporters and such at the Verizon Center by speakerphone. A few highlights:
On the clean slate for the Wizards coming off last season: “They had a tough time, on and off the court, last year so basically me going and trying to help them out as much as I can, help them win games and learn as much as I can from the staff and [Wizards assistant coach] Sam Cassell, the returning guys and the guys who are getting in, just try to become a better team next year, on and off the court.”
Giving away nothing whatsoever on what jersey No. he’ll wear: “I’m going to have to sit down and talk about it.”
On whether he thinks the fans will be patient with him: “They understand it’s a learning experience. It’s going to be a tough time. I’m going to have my ups and downs, but you know as long as I believe in myself and stay confident, there’s really not too much I can do about the fans feeling bad about me at times and feeling good about me.”
The message from Wizards head coach Flip Saunders?: “He’s like coach Cal. He lets his point guards play. He believes in them. He trusts in them, and they’re going to use me the same way as his other point guards.”
Can Wall work it out with Gilbert Arenas?: “He’s a talented person, and I feel likehe’s a shooting guard, and we’ll try to work things out. It all depends on how it will go.”
By the way, Wall also said he left his phone (phones? Think it was plural) in his room. There’s something confident, unselfish and old-school about that move.
He brushed aside questions about his youth – “I feel like I can play and I can get the job done. It’s basically just me being confident in myself and my ability,” – and was even asked about LeBron James: “It would be big because he’s a talented player, but we haven’t looked into it. We’re just worried about the guys who are going to be there and whoever else we’re adding on to it.”
And lastly, on the impact he hopes to make: “Basically to try and have the same impact I had on college, probably even a better impact, and that’s going to be key.”
We’ll have another session with him tomorrow morning…
