As soon as Larry Orton heard the news about North Carolina point guard John Wall officially committing to play for Kentucky, he knew what to expect.

“I guess they will all be picking Kentucky to win it all or at least get to the Final Four. We are getting back to Kentucky basketball now,” said Orton, the father of UK signee Daniel Orton.

Larry Orton says his son, a 6-11 center from Oklahoma, and Wall have played in the same tournaments and camps often and have a strong friendship.

“They are what I would call good friends,” Larry Orton said. “In fact, Daniel was a little upset that he couldn’t get John to call or text him back recently even though he knew he had a lot going on trying to pick a college.”

Larry Orton says no one should doubt that the 6-4, 175-pound Wall is a “special player” and will make an immediate impact at Kentucky.

“He’s just special. That’s all you can say,” Larry Orton said.

He says Wall is also the type person he wants his son around.

“He is really a good kid. You will love him,” Larry Orton said. “He will fit in well with the other kids they have coming in. He’s a great player, but he’s also a great kid and that makes for a good fit on any team.”