Sahvir Wheeler Entering Transfer Portal After Two Seasons at Kentucky
The first domino has fallen following the completion of Kentucky's 2022-23 season.
Point guard Sahvir Wheeler is transferring from Lexington after two seasons as a Wildcat. He transferred to UK from Georgia — where he also played for two years — before the beginning of the 2021-22 season.
As a freshman, Wheeler averaged 9.0 points and 4.5 assists for the Bulldogs in a career-high 31 games. He then made a name for himself on a struggling UGA team as a sophomore, leading the SEC in assists with 7.4 per game while also dropping a career-high 14.0 PPG.
Kentucky coach John Calipari then plucked him out of the portal, bringing him to be the starting point guard in the Bluegrass. He started 29 out of 30 games last season, playing a career-high 31.7 minutes-per-game. He once again led the conference in assists at 6.9 a night, while adding 10.1 PPG.
Leading the ship of a team that earned a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament, Wheeler earned All-SEC Second-Team honors and was also named a finalist for the Bob Cousy Award, which honors the top point guard in the nation. The highlight of his year came in the CBS Sports Classic against North Carolina, where he managed 26 points, eight assists and four steals in a win over the Tar Heels. He also had a 16-point, 10-assist double-double in the Champions Classic loss to Duke.
Wheeler made the decision to return to UK for a second season, a choice that did not yield positive results. He played in 21 games and averaged a career-low 7.7 points and 5.6 assists.
Injuries hindered his season. A knee knock forced him to miss the season-opener against Howard. A shoulder ailment forced him to sit out in the big road win at Tennessee. Then came an ankle injury and a minor procedure that kept him on the shelf for the final 11 games of the season.
Big Blue Nation was hot and cold on the point guard, making him one of the more polarizing players of the Calipari era. Before UK's Round of 64 game against Providence, Wheeler spoke with reporters for the final time as a Wildcat, declaring his love for Kentucky and — at the time — intentions on playing in March Madness:
"It's been tough," he said about the injuries. "I think the toughest thing is not being out there with my guys, you know? But also, it's been great recovering, doing the best I can, getting better each and every day, each and every rep, each and every practice, each and every workout."
"I love this. I love this program. I love this team ... it's a kids dream to be at Kentucky," he proclaimed.
Now, his time at UK is likely over. Early reports have indicated that a move to the Big 12 is likely for the Houston native, with Kansas State being one of the programs mentioned.
Wheeler has since released a statement via Instagram:
"Big Blue Nation,
For the past two years you all have been nothing short of amazing. Some of my greatest memories that I will take away from my time at Kentucky will be my time spent interacting with the fans. The community service opportunities that I was able to participate in with you all were invaluable and I will always be thankful.
To my teammates, we have made so many memorable moments. We competed everyday, committed to making each other better, and I would not change that experience. Each one of you has made an impact on me and I consider you all brothers for life. Playing along side of you guys has truly been a dream come true.
To Coach Cal and all the staff, thank you for giving me the opportunity to represent such a prominent university.
With that being said, I look forward to graduating from the University of Kentucky this May and have entered the transfer portal as a graduate transfer."
More on his road back from injury HERE.
Inside Kentucky basketball's somber locker room after NCAA Tourney defeat HERE.
More on the potential roster overhaul in Lexington HERE.
More on the loss to Kansas State HERE.
Want the latest on national football and basketball recruiting, including Cats targets? Head over to SI All-American for the latest news, blogs, and updates about the nation's best prospects.
