Prep basketball standout cited with breaking and entering

Raleigh, N.C. — Local high school basketball standout John Wall, one of the nation's top uncommitted college prospects, has been cited with breaking and entering, Raleigh police said Monday.

Johnathan Hildred Wall, a 6-foot 4-inch playmaker, averaged 21 points, seven rebounds and nine assists for Word of God Christian Academy in Raleigh this past season. He is the No. 1-ranked point guard in the country by both Rivals.com and Scout.com.

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High school athlete cited for breaking and entering

Authorities said Wall, 18, of 537 E. Davie St., Raleigh, was charged with misdemeanor breaking and entering in connection with an April 27 afternoon break-in at an unoccupied house for sale at 3924 Laurel Glen Drive in Raleigh.

"He was not arrested. He was simply given a citation that we are fully cooperating with the DA's office to resolve this matter as soon as possible," his attorney, Anna Smith, said.

Wall is being sought after by a number of colleges, including North Carolina State University and Duke University.

University of Memphis, University of Miami, Baylor University, University of Kansas and University of Kentucky are also pursuing him. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has expressed an interest.

Wall is expected to narrow his list of schools any day now. The signing period ends May 20.

Because NCAA rules prohibit schools from commenting officially on prospects, it's unclear how the citation could affect recruiting and Wall's decision.

But Dave Telep, national director of recruiting for men's basketball for Scout.com, said that unless "something bigger" comes of the charge, he doesn't see it as an issue.

"At this point, it doesn't look like it's going to adversely affect their recruiting of John," he told 99.9 FM The Fan ESPN Radio Monday afternoon after talking to two schools that are recruiting Wall.

"I wouldn't jump to conclusions," Telep told WRAL News. "It's a misdemeanor. It could be nothing more than a mistake."

Police said an officer saw Wall leaving from the rear of the residence around 12:30 p.m. and was able to detain him. There was no forced entry at the residence and no indication that anything was taken from it. Authorities would not say what he might have been doing there.

"I think John is a good kid. It doesn't feel right," added Telep, who has followed Wall for more than three years.

Two other people were also charged in the April 27 crime. Bria Renea Draughn, 16, of 3212 Harmony Court, Raleigh, was detained while walking along a nearby street. Reginald Leonard Jackson II, 17, of 108 Luxorwind Drive, Garner, was detained when he returned to the residence, police said.

Word of God principal Anesha Pittman had no comment Monday morning.

"You'll have to speak with his mother about that," she said.