Saying Goodbye To Sahvir Wheeler With Our Favorite Wheeler Memories

Sahvir Wheeler‘s career at Kentucky was complicated, and one day, we will have those uncomfortable conversations about its mysterious ending and where the relationship went wrong. But on the day Wheeler officially entered the transfer portal, likely ending his time in Lexington, let’s celebrate the happier moments with Wheeler from his two years in Kentucky’s backcourt, from the time John Calipari scooped him from the transfer portal until now as he jumps back in.

These are the fond Wheeler memories:

The North Carolina game in Las Vegas

In Wheeler’s best game as Kentucky’s point guard, the 5-9 ballhandler scored a career-high 26 points on 12-of-15 shooting from the field in the Wildcats’ win over eventual runner-up North Carolina in the 2021 CBS Sports Classic in Las Vegas. More than a bucket as he attacked the rim at will versus the Tar Heels, Wheeler also shared the rock for eight assists, plus four steals, three rebounds, and only two turnovers. He was the first Wildcat in over 25 years to score at least 25 points with five assists and four steals in a single game.

His smile before the upset of Kansas in the Phog

In Kentucky’s other big win of 2021-22, Wheeler took the Wildcats into the Phog and beat eventual national champion Kansas, 80-62. Wheeler had seven points and eight assists in the surprise win, but it was his confident smirk before the game that I remember most from the victory.

That time Tom Crean put him in a chokehold

Wheeler couldn’t play against his old team, Georgia, in Kentucky’s first game versus the Bulldogs since Wheeler transferred from one SEC school to the other. But someone forgot to tell then-Georgia head coach Tom Crean because Crean put his former point guard in a playful headlock during their awkward pregame interaction in Rupp Arena.

via GIPHY

Crean must not have read the scouting report because Wheeler was out for the game with a neck injury.

Smashing the Vols in Rupp Arena

Another fun win from Wheeler’s first season in Lexington, he and the 2021-22 Wildcats obliterated Tennessee in Rupp Arena, 107-79. Wheeler’s role in the massacre included 21 points on 8-of-10 shooting, a perfect day at the line, and eight assists with two steals and two rebounds.

His fun personality

When things were going well, Wheeler was one of the bigger personalities on the team. He was outgoing in press conferences and a leader of fun among his teammates, like the time he starred in his own “This Is Kentucky Basketball” video:

Moving on, Wheeler will have one more year of eligibility remaining.

Big Blue Nation thanks him for his contributions in the two years he spent at UK.