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LOS ANGELES, CA – JULY 16: Retired NBA basketball player Gilbert Arenas attends The Rise Challenge presented by Kmart at Microsoft Square at LA Live on July 16, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keipher McKennie/WireImage)
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/20210111201942/GettyImages-576691290.jpg?width=600)
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LOS ANGELES, CA – JULY 16: Retired NBA basketball player Gilbert Arenas attends The Rise Challenge presented by Kmart at Microsoft Square at LA Live on July 16, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keipher McKennie/WireImage)
The most popular dance move after Michael Jackson’s moonwalk must be John Wall’s signature dance. And he wasn’t the only one dancing. After he showed his signature move for the first time in 2009, the entire world was swept up by it and swooning. However, we wouldn’t have that iconic dance move if not for a healthy wager from Gilbert Arenas.
Since Wall was quite shy, Agent Zero challenged him that he wouldn’t be able to dance in front of the enthusiastic crowd of the Big Blue Madness at the University of Kentucky. To prove Arenas wrong, Wall decided to go up on the stage and the rest was history. During an appearance on the Knuckleheads Podcast, Wall spoke about the bet and said, “Arenas said I wouldn’t dance so you know he gave a little friendly wager bet and I was like all right I’m going do it.”
Wall recalled that he was indeed initially very shy about dancing in front of people. However, the popularity of his pre-game Dougie was just the beginning, and it helped him become more outgoing.
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He further revealed how the dance was supposed to take place on a platform elevated about 12 feet above the ground. And it was DeMarcus Cousins, who was supposed to dance but he had a fear of heights and couldn’t do it. That left Wall to do the celebration dance.
As he reached the platform, Wall did his signature Dougie, giving it a new style, and soon it became the most loved among the fans. It became quite popular as his pregame workout with the Washington Wizards.
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USA Today via Reuters
Jan 8, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard John Wall (11) dribbles the ball against Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray (5) during the fourth quarter at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
After his buyout agreement with the Houston Rockets, Wall moved to the Clippers and brought the Dougie wave with him again.
John Wall reintroduces signature Dougie wave to the Clippers
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What’s your perspective on:
John Wall's viral dance—legendary move or just a funny moment? Let's hear your thoughts!
Have an interesting take?
In July 2022, Wall signed a contract with the Los Angeles Clippers. He was spotted doing his signature Dougie move before games, elevating the anticipation among fans. Though he did not average 20 points per game as expected, he posted a decent 11.4 points and 2.7 rebounds over 4 games for the Los Angeles Clippers.
With this came the Dougie wave once again. Even his former school joined in on the trend. The Kentucky Basketball men’s team made a video where each player performed the Dougie. While some did the usual Dougie, others were seen doing Wall’s signature dance.
It still seems to be popular, thanks to Cousins and Arenas. Not only Wall, but Cousins also confirmed that he was initially supposed to dance. However, it’s doubtful whether he would have gone as viral as Wall’s Dougie did.
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Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud, Caitlin Clark’s Olympic snub, and more, watch this video.
Debate
John Wall's viral dance—legendary move or just a funny moment? Let's hear your thoughts!