If there is a better point guard than Sahvir Wheeler, John Calipari has to see him

Ole Miss had trouble slowing down Sahvir Wheeler. (Vicky Graff Photo)

John Calipari is not saying Sahvir Wheeler is the best point guard in the country, but he’s also not saying the Kentucky junior is not. Wheeler is one of the finalists of the Bob Cousy Point Guard of the Year Award named in honor of the Hall of Famer who played for the Boston Celtics.

“Of all the point guards who are going for the Cousy Award, I need to see one that has a bigger impact on the game than him, both defensively and offensively,” Calipari said.

“Creating shots, playing with speed, the pace of the game is what he dictates, smart. But then disruptive defensively. You say, ‘Well, he’s small.’ Yeah, but how disruptive? They (Mississippi guards) were pushing off to get it up the court. So, I’m proud of him.”

Ole Miss coach Kermit Davis said the Rebels could not keep the speedy Wheeler out of the lane.

Wheeler was 6-for-9 from the field — one of his best shooting games of the season — and had 16 points. That was his highest-scoring game since he had 17 at Auburn Jan. 22. It was his 13th double-figure scoring game of the season.

He also had seven assists, his per-game average that ranks third nationally.

Wheeler had missed two games with a wrist injury before returning to action in Saturday’s loss at Arkansas along with guard TyTy Washington, who also missed two games.

“We were a little bit out of sync last game. I felt this game we looked a little more in sync,” Calipari said.

Wheeler agreed.

“I got some of that rust off, getting in rhythm, scrimmaging, and practicing. Getting some extra time, shooting and handling the ball, doing different passes. Making sure I feel comfortable with my wrist,” Wheeler said.

“Running is vital for what we do as a team, so I feel like when all that clicked back in space, I felt really good.”

Wheeler says the team has to keep getting better before postseason play starts. The Cats end regular season play at Florida Saturday and can clinch at least a No. 3 seed in the SEC Tournament with a win.

“Continuing to clean up things, on the offensive end and defensive end.  Still taking it one day at the time, one game at a time and looking forward to our next opponent and how we can win that game,” Wheeler said about the team’s priority.

“Our team believes in the daily pursuit of excellence and how we can get better, how can we clean up some things. How can we continue to tweak things? Because teams are going to continue to try to adjust and try to make it hard for us. But Coach is putting us in positions where guys get to their spots and we make plays from there. It’s all on the players.”