WASHINGTON (7News) — From the basketball court to maybe an NBA front office. Former Washington Wizards star John Wall’s basketball career has entered a new chapter, one that could eventually help him lead an NBA team.
Wall serves as the president of basketball operations for Howard University’s men’s basketball program. He said the role has given him valuable insight into the business side of the sport as he pursues a goal of becoming an NBA general manager.
“It helps me in a field where I want to be a [general manager] one day,” Wall said.
Wall added that he believes his playing background will help him adapt to his position at Howard and any future front office position.
“It won’t take long for me I know the knowledge of [basketball], the IQ of that,” Wall said. “It’s all about me trying to understand the business side of the money, all those types of things.”
Howard men’s basketball head coach Kenneth Blakeney notices Wall’s intelligence.
“[Wall] is brilliant,” Blakeney said. “He’s a savant when it comes down to everything that’s going on with the NBA.”
Wall said he’s studying everything that goes into building a franchise, from evaluating trades to researching prospects long before they reach the professional level.
“Do these trades match how you go back and do research on a kid all the way back to middle school how they are, how they are with other teammates,” Wall said. “Those are things that you have to work on. That’s why I want to get in the field and figure that out.”
Blakeney said Wall’s knowledge extends far beyond what most people see from a former player.
“We sat and talked for about an hour the other day, and I was just blown away listening to him talk about all the different things that were going on with the draft,” Blakeney said. “It was really impressive.”
Wall said he’s had conversations with experienced basketball executives to continue expanding his knowledge.
“I’m always picking each person’s brain. I talk to Will [Dawkins]… I talk to [Wizards President] Michael Winger,” Wall said. “I’m just having conversations, pick their brain, how I can get better and grow in this space.”
While working with Howard players, Wall said he also emphasizes the importance of education in the college basketball landscape, especially with the rise of NIL opportunities.
“There’s so much happening with NIL, so much going on,” Wall said. “These guys are trying to find ways to get the most money they can because they might not make it to the league. But it’s not all about this. It’s about getting your degree most importantly.”
Wall added that player development doesn’t only happen on the court.
“It’s all about how hard you work,” he said. “Just be professional every day.”
Although Wall’s NBA playing days are over, he has his sights set on making a return to the NBA, using his experience at Howard to make it to an NBA front office.
“I think [Wall] just needs the opportunity,” Blakeney said. “Hopefully with our program he can get some practical experience along with resume experience.”