John Calipari on Sahvir Wheeler, CJ Fredrick: "We need them both"

Kentucky was without Sahvir Wheeler (ankle) and CJ Fredrick (rib) for the fourth straight game. Thankfully, the Cats were able to survive tonight in Gainesville, beating Florida 82-74, but it’s becoming increasingly clear that Kentucky desperately needs one, if not both, of the guards back as we enter the home stretch of the season.

The Cats trailed the Gators 37-36 at halftime, and John Calipari didn’t make a single substitution the rest of the game, a decision he said he made out of necessity.

“I had to tell the team after, because Adou [Thiero] played well, Daimion [Collins] played well, Lance [Ware] played well, but I just went with the five guys because I was trying to win the game.”

Wheeler has now missed five consecutive games with an injured ankle and Fredrick four with a cracked rib. Calipari said earlier this week that the two are working hard to get back on the court, but have yet to practice with the team.

“No. They’re working out and the trainers, the weight room, and all the stuff they’re doing. They’ve got two different kinds of injuries but they’re injured. One of the things that I know, you trust a player because only he knows his pain. Don’t question it. If he’s in pain, they shouldn’t be playing. But I told them both, we need you. I’ve got no subs. It’s hard.“

Kentucky has won three straight games, all Quad 1 victories, thanks in part to strong contributions from Chris Livingston and Antonio Reeves. Calipari said that Fredrick, a former starter, told him that when he returns, he knows he’s going to have to earn his minutes back.

“You know what CJ said? ‘When I come back, Antonio and Chris are playing so well, I know I’m going to go in and I may make some threes and I’ll play more but I know my position right now because I’m watching.'”

Cason Wallace has held down the fort as Kentucky’s primary ball-handler, but it’s clear the Cats’ backcourt needs Wheeler back for depth and dimension. Wallace has played 38 or more minutes in three of the last four games. Tonight, he finished with 8 points on 2-8 from the field, 2 rebounds, 6 assists, 6 turnovers, 2 steals, and 1 block in 38 minutes.

“Sahvir makes us different,” Calipari said tonight. “Cason plays one way. Sahvir is that flying and a couple of easy baskets and creating a turnover because of his defense. We need them both, to be honest with you.”

Hopefully sooner rather than later.