Sahvir Wheeler not giving away secrets to his success

It’s sometimes amazing the way 5-9 Sahvir Wheeler can get to the rim and finish plays against bigger, stronger opponents. Wheeler isn’t about to give away any secrets on how he does it, either.

“I think having an attack mentality, and playing with a team like this with great shooters, the lane is that much more open,” Wheeler said. “I think one of my gifts is being able to create for others and get inside of the paint at will. Guys like TyTy (Washington), Kellan (Grady), Dontaie (Allen) – those guys are threats.

“I think that’s a part of playing with guys who can make shots to spread the floor and using my advantages as my speed and my quickness. I’m at that point that if I’m by my defender, I’m playing two-on-one.”

“It’s me, the rim, and the big man. Whether that’s Daimion (Collins), whether that’s Oscar (Tshiebwe), or whoever is down there playing the four, Keion (Brooks), it’s their man and me.”

Albany forward De’Vondre Perry found out how difficult it was to try and defend Wheeler.

“He’s got amazing touch around the rim to be 5-9. I know he practices finishing over guys, especially finishing over length,” Perry said.

North Florida coach Matthew Driscoll watched Wheeler get a career-high 14 assists and 12 points.

“I told him after the game, Wheeler, if you continue to do what you do and be the player that you are, this team has a chance to really be special. If you try to listen to everyone else who is on the outside then you could really screw up what you guys have,” Driscoll said.

“The way he defends the ball at the point and the way he pushes the ball to the rim and puts pressure on you, it’s great to see, it’s exciting for these guys to see.”

Wheeler is averaging 11.1 points,  8.7 assists, 2.7 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game. He’s shooting 43.2 percent from the field after seven games and 90.9 percent at the foul line.