In 2015, Raleigh native and NBA All-Star John Wall had the vision. A vision and an idea to give back to the community that helped raise and mold him into the person he is today. Wall officially announced the establishment of the Team WALL AAU program in February of 2015 and after hitting 9 cities in 5 months, he created a lifetime of opportunities.
Appointing his former coach and one of his childhood mentor's, Kendrick Williams, was the first step. With the AAU season less than two months away, Kendrick and Team Wall wasted no time. The first piece of the puzzle was point guard Jalen Harris. Harris embodied the vision Williams had for Team Wall with his quick handles and crafty play. With his floor general locked in, it was now time for firepower. Not many had heard of Havelock High School's Kyran Bowman, but after following a suggestion Williams had established the Team Wall back-court. After a breakout junior season, Jalen Johnson of Wesleyan Christian had everyone's interest. The lefty, "Bull City" product decided to run with Team Wall and gave the team their high-flyer. The addition of Boo Williams sharpshooter Scott Spencer midway through the AAU season would prove to be the piece Team Wall was missing. Established shooter Rob Whitfield had been injured for a majority spring/summer, so the addition of Spencer came at a critical time. Osi Smart, Telligence Johnson, Matt Elmore & Mike Pippins rounded out the Team Wall squad as they hit Dallas, Indy, DC, Atlanta, Augusta, Vegas and more!
Before it was all said and done, Team Wall Had garnered over 30 scholarship offers among it's 17u team. Scott Spencer became the first Team Wall player to commit as he chose Clemson to further his basketball career and education. Not far behind was Jalen Johnson, as he later committed to the University of Tennessee. Matt Elmore later decided to stick close to home and attend University of North Carolina Wilmington. In their first year Team Wall was able to accomplish the sight set forth by Director and Head Coach Kendrick Williams. Players got exposure, earned themselves scholarships, and grew not only as basketball players but also as young men. Join us on this journey as Team Wall presents The Launch and see what it really meant to be #WALLIN.
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