Sahvir Wheeler says he loves UK fans and ones at games always show him love. (Vicky Graff Photo)
After Kentucky beat Yale on Saturday, one non-game question was posed to point guard Sahvir Wheeler that he handled with terrific poise.
Wheeler was asked if he knew how often some fans criticized him on social media.
At times, Wheeler has been a polarizing figure even though he led the Southeastern Conference in assists last year after transferring from Georgia and once again earned all-SEC honors. He was also named to preseason all-SEC teams this year.
However, despite a way better than average assist-to-turnover ratio, sometimes his turnovers have come at crucial times and his outside shooting can be suspect.
So how does he handle the social media criticism
“I made a separate social media account that has nothing to do with sports. Just stuff I personally love like video games, cars, movies, cartoons,” Wheeler said. “I am just on that. I really don’t see any of that stuff any more. I just want my Instagram for NIL stuff or if I want to post or re-post my brother.”
Basically, he’s blind to what others are saying/posting about him.
“So If you guys (in the media) are saying some great stuff, I have no idea. If you guys are killing me, I have no idea,” Wheeler said. “It has been good.
“I love the fans. I know the fans who are at the games show love. It has been pretty awesome this year.”
Reminded again that there are fans “killing” him on social media, Wheeler didn’t get flustered.
“That’s part of it too. If you are not doing anything right, you won’t have anybody hating on you. It is all part of it. I have learned to embrace, enjoy it and keep on winning,” Wheeler said.
TJ Beisner, director of player development for UK basketball, took to social media when he saw Wheeler’s response to the social media question about fans after the game.
“We have the best fans in the country. The support we receive from BBN – even in our toughest times – is unparalleled. I don’t understand the fascination w/ promoting negativity,” Beisner tweeted.
“I do love how Sahvir handled this though and how he continues to represent our team. We move as one.”
2 Responses
There isn’t a year that goes by comes to basketball season there’s criticism to certain UK player or players. Nothing new and I’m sure the recruits are aware of it or Cal wouldn’t be getting the players that he gets.
The folks criticizing Wheeler are the same ones that think family reunions are the best place to find a date. The ones that drink Pabst while wearing a wife beater that makes him look 6 months pregnant. Whose grandpappy told him he was the best kisser in the family. The kind of person that makes Cousin Eddie look like a Mensa candidate.