Sahvir Wheeler starts climb back to top of mountain by finally making a shot again

Sahvir Wheeler says he's not a computer but can help UK win even if he's not making shots. (Vicky Graff Photo)

It seemed like a big reaction to one 3-point shot. But for Sahvir Wheeler, it was not just a shot. Instead, it was the first shot he had made in four games. The Kentucky junior point guard was 0-for-17 from the field in Kentucky’s three previous games before a 3-point shot rattled home for him early in Saturday’s 78-57 win over Florida.

Rupp Arena fans erupted for Wheeler’s make and he appreciated the support.


”I mean I’m not a 2K player rating 99. I’m not a computer. I’m still, like Coach Cal says, ‘I mean you’re not going to make them all, but you can’t miss them all.’ So, I finally made one today,” Wheeler said.

“I mean that’s part of the game. And, like I said, there’s other ways to impact the game and as long as we’re winning, I have a positive impact on my team and making sure that those guys are OK and the coaching staff still trusts me.”

“I’m going to do my part. Stay the process. Stay the course and I know the results are kicking in for me for sure.”

Wheeler finished the game 4-for-7 from the field and had nine points, six assists and three rebounds. He has now had 18 games with at least six assists this season and leads the Southeastern Conference in assists.

Wheeler knows he can impact a game not only with his assists but also with rebounds along with his leadership and holding teammates accountable.

“Making sure they’re loose and they’re fine because everyone’s playing well and everyone’s in a rhythm,” Wheeler said. “That’s a big thing for us.”

Still, Wheeler knows he has to make some shots to make teams respect his potential to score.

“I mean, I wouldn’t be here at Kentucky if I didn’t make some baskets if I couldn’t, impact the game,” the Georgia transfer said. “They don’t just hand out the jerseys here so I just trusted my process, knowing that at some point it’s going to come back to me.”

“You don’t live at the top of the mountain forever. Sometimes you gotta come back, got to come down, and then your next achievement is climbing another mountain. That’s what happened today when I finally got one to drop and when I made it I was pretty happy  just to see one go in.”

However, one other thing stood out to Wheeler about his make.

“I think the biggest thing was how excited my teammates were for me on the bench if you look at their reactions,” Wheeler said. “That’s kind of telling what this team is about being for each other. Playing for each other and losing yourself in the moment. And being able to lock in and do what we need to do to win games.”