John Wall is still soaking it all in.

Wall, one of the nation’s top incoming freshmen, is expected to be a major force on the college scene this season. While getting used to his new surroundings on and off campus, Wall has been in awe since arriving at Kentucky.

Wall got an idea of the hype surrounding the program when fans camped out to get free tickets to Big Blue Madness earlier this month.

“It kind of shocked me,” he said. “I knew it was a basketball state, but I didn’t know it was this crazy. The fans will sit outside in the cold and when it’s raining just to get tickets to (Big Blue Madness). It’s great to see that fans are going to give you support like that no matter what (even when) you’re losing or winning.  It’s great to have fans like we have.”

Inside the Kentucky camp, Wall has noticed first-hand what it’s like to be a member of a John Calipari-coached team outside the gymnasium. Wall said it resembles a family atmosphere.

“We’re all family,” Wall said. “You have your family back home, but you come up here, Kentucky is all about family.”

The head of the family – Calipari – has also impressed Wall.

“He’s a great coach,” Wall said. “He knows what he’s doing and he knows how to get you better and prepare you for the next level. He’s just like a father figure. “

On the basketball floor, Wall said the players are trying to bond together as a unit. Wall said the process is moving at a rapid pace and added the team has set high standards for the upcoming season.

“We’re trying to get our chemistry down pat, try to get better and become a team that can go undefeated,” he said. “Every team in the country wants to go undefeated. It’s going to be tough, but there’s a lot of work that we’ve got to do.”

In addition to the mental aspect of the team, Wall said the team’s physical abilities surpass those of any team he’s been a part of throughout his career.

 “It amazing,” he said.”I’ve never seen this much talent in one gym at one time. My school team was pretty good, but once I stepped in here, from one to 13, all of (them) can play. They all could start for some college team. It shows that we can go that deep. “

What makes the team so talented?

“Everybody can score, they know how to play defense and get their teammates involved,” he said. “There’s going to be matchup problems all over the floor. So (opposing defenses) just need to be prepared.”