Former Washington Wizards star point guard John Wall has accepted a position with Howard University's men's basketball program
After moving on from his playing days, a former Washington Wizards star has taken the next step in his career after news broke on Thursday morning that John Wall is headed back to the district.
The former five-time NBA All Star has accepted a position to become the new president of basketball operations at Howard University, ESPN first reported, becoming the latest former NBA star to jump back into the college ranks during the NIL era.
ESPN also reported that Wall has already taken a hands on approach with the program having already played an active role in both team meetings and roster evaluations, whether it be through the transfer portal or high school ranks. Wall has been a key part in molding Howard's "overall strategic vision with focus on roster management, name, image and likeness deals, revenue sharing, agent negotiations and player mentorship." Wall will work in tandem with head coach Kenny Blakeney and general manager Daniel Marks in the position.
It marks the next step for Wall, who officially retired from the NBA ahead of the 2025-26 regular season before transitioning into a TV analyst role with Prime video. Wall was honored by the Washington Wizards during the 2025-26 regular season when Wall returned to Capital One Arena as an analyst back on Jan. 29 with the organization unveiling bobblehead night along with a video tribute and in-game celebrations.
"Dream come true," Wall said on 106.7. "Having the opportunity to make it to the NBA, that's always a dream and something that a lot of us as kids don't really think can happen until it happens. And then you have the opportunity to be with a franchise and be a franchise guy and you're trying to start it all over and get the city back to some excitement, some great basketball, make a playoff run, try to win championships and things like that.
Wall ended his tenure with the organization as one of the most accomplished players while he remains the franchise leader in both assists (5,282) and steals (976). The former top overall pick was named to the 2010-11 All-Rookie First Team, 2014-15 All-Defensive Second Team, and 2016-17 All-NBA Third Team. He and Bradley Beal also led the organization to four playoff appearances, including three conference semifinals appearances, while posting a .500 or better record in five consecutive seasons - the first time that's happened since the Wizards' last NBA Finals appearance since the 1970s.