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 Draft. 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.
On April 7, 2010, Wall announced that he would forgo his final three seasons of collegiate eligibility and enter the 2010 NBA Draft, 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.
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.
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