Sahvir Wheeler may be returning to his team in the coming days. He hasn’t played for Kentucky since the Florida game on February 4, which was over a month ago. Coach John Calipari mentioned that Wheeler may join the team during their NCAA Tournament run, after missing their ninth consecutive game without him in the lineup.
After losing to Vanderbilt by seven points in the SEC Quarterfinals, Calipari stated that Wheeler had participated in some drills during a recent practice session, which was a positive sign. However, Wheeler had been dealing with undisclosed health issues during his time off, in addition to his ankle injury that initially sidelined him. He missed the Senior Night festivities against Vanderbilt and had a “minor procedure” on the morning of the game.
Throughout the senior season, Wheeler has averaged 7.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game on 41.7% shooting over 21 games. It remains to be seen whether he will return for the NCAA Tournament, but his presence could be beneficial to the team, especially since Cason Wallace has been playing with an injured leg. The team hopes that Wheeler is healthy and not playing through an injury like Wallace.
The NCAA Tournament’s First Round is scheduled for March 16 and 17, with Selection Sunday taking place on March 12.
His Stats Leading Up To His Injury
Up until his injury on February 4th, Sahvir Wheeler, was having a solid 2022-23 NCAA basketball season.
Wheeler’s best scoring performance came against Michigan State on November 15, 2022, where he dropped 16 points while playing all 40 minutes of the game. He also had a season-high in field goal attempts, with 16 in the same game. Wheeler’s highest number of made field goals in a game this season was seven, which he achieved against Alabama on January 7, 2023.
When it comes to three-point shooting, Wheeler has been accurate this season, making a season-high of three three-pointers in a game against LSU on January 3, 2023. He attempted six three-pointers in that game, which is also his season-high for three-point attempts.
At the free-throw line, Wheeler made a season-high of four free throws in a game against South Carolina State on November 17, 2022. His highest number of free-throw attempts this season was six, which he made against Michigan on December 4, 2022.
In terms of rebounds, Wheeler’s highest this season was six, which he grabbed during the LSU game on January 3, 2023. When it comes to assists, the guard’s best performance was against Duquesne on November 11, 2022, where he dished out 11 assists.
Wheeler also contributed defensively, with his best block coming against Michigan State on November 15, 2022, and his highest number of steals in a game being two, which he achieved against Florida on February 4, 2023.
Overall, Wheeler’s season-high stats demonstrate his well-rounded play and ability to contribute in multiple ways on the court. If he can return to the lineup for the NCAA Tournament that would certainly take a lot of pressure off Wallace. Plus, BBN would be happy to see him back on the floor.
Read: 6 Things Slowly Killing College Basketball
Read: 14 Reasons Cal Needs To Go
Read: Locker Room Lance Leading Cats
Read: Is Chris Livingston the key to the Kentucky Wildcats
