Sahvir Wheeler still a “big part” of Kentucky

Sahvir Wheeler has lost his starting spot but is happy the team is winning. (Vicky Graff Photo)

He’s not played a lot the last two games but Kentucky assistant coach Chin Coleman said Monday that senior point guard Sahvir Wheeler is glad the team is winning.

“He’s happy with the way the other guys are playing and as long as they’re playing good, and we’re winning, he’s OK with that,” Coleman said. “But he’s still a big part of what we’re doing and that’s not going to change.”

Wheeler was injured and did not play in UK’s win at then No. 5 Tennessee. He played just 11 minutes against Georgia, and only one in the second half. He got eight minutes against Texas A&M Saturday and barely played the second half as freshman Cason Wallace has taken over the point guard duties.

Wheeler played just eight minutes in Kentucky’s win over Texas A&M Saturday and was on the floor for 11 minutes against Georgia. Coleman said the senior guard hasn’t complained about the recent changes in the lineup that has Cason Wallace running the point.

“For us to reach the heights that we’re capable of reaching, we need a good Sahvir,” Coleman said. “If everyone is good, no one player has to be great.

“We know that we need Sahvir to be good for us and he will be. It’s a long season. He’s not out. I think our staff, our players, everyone knows how much we need Sahvir. I think that he understands that.”