Wheeler 'loss' is addition by subtraction

SaltyCat22

All-Conference
Jul 15, 2022
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Absolutely. Cal has another Final Four because WCS got hurt. Shout out to Dakari and Marcus Lee. Y’all da man(s)!
 
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*Fox2Monk*

Heisman
Jun 10, 2009
47,506
87,023
113
Cal can't help himself concerning Wheeler's PT, so taking him off the board altogether is best.

My question is Wheeler actually injured...🤔

If Wheeler does return, the bad play will return. Simply can't endure him on the floor like last season.
I think he would be nice to give Cason a break, he’s struggled lately due to injury and fatigue. If Cal can keep him in only during restful sessions or games he’s a real advantage in.
 

ukgold

All-Conference
Jan 17, 2016
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IDK if he's really hurt or not but our teams looks alot better without him. I do wonder if Carson picks up 2 early will Cal go with Wheeler if he isn't hurt
 

Boyd94

All-American
Feb 16, 2022
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The only thing h
Cal can't help himself concerning Wheeler's PT, so taking him off the board altogether is best.

My question is Wheeler actually injured...🤔

If Wheeler does return, the bad play will return. Simply can't endure him on the floor like last season.

The only thing hurt on Wheeler is his feelings. I'm glad he's not playing. We don't want or need quitters.
 

caneintally

Heisman
Oct 1, 2002
27,455
17,056
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I think it’s about time this board laid off Wheeler a bit. It’s getting kind of pathetic.
When someone blasts him at this point its obvious to see what kind of trash they are as a fan . I mean seriously we still attacking him ? We are better with him playin 10-12 minutes as a back up . But lets not act like he is trash or something . He freaking lead the league 2 years in a row in assists . You don't do that if you can't play . Now we just have a superior pg in Wallace but he can't continue to play 40 minutes . Wheeler needs to get back to spell him some . Cal was playing him right before the injury . 10-15 minutes a game.
'
 

kyhoward

All-Conference
Feb 3, 2018
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I think he would be nice to give Cason a break, he’s struggled lately due to injury and fatigue. If Cal can keep him in only during restful sessions or games he’s a real advantage in.
The team is definitely playing better and Sahvir has not been a part of this resurgence. However, what happens if Cason gets in foul trouble or hurt? Who plays the point? We have a short bench due to injuries and CCC not playing Thiero and Uso earlier in the season. I am afraid that fatigue may be our downfall in the SEC or NCAA tournaments. Having to win on 3 consecutive days in the SEC will be difficult. At least we don't have to win The SEC to get to the NCAA tournament.
 

*Fox2Monk*

Heisman
Jun 10, 2009
47,506
87,023
113
The team is definitely playing better and Sahvir has not been a part of this resurgence. However, what happens if Cason gets in foul trouble or hurt? Who plays the point? We have a short bench due to injuries and CCC not playing Thiero and Uso earlier in the season. I am afraid that fatigue may be our downfall in the SEC or NCAA tournaments. Having to win on 3 consecutive days in the SEC will be difficult. At least we don't have to win The SEC to get to the NCAA tournament.
Exactly plus just the minutes load on our starters is huge the past couple weeks. We are winning but guys need rest too.
 

gbl97

All-American
Mar 12, 2002
3,647
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The team is definitely playing better and Sahvir has not been a part of this resurgence. However, what happens if Cason gets in foul trouble or hurt? Who plays the point? We have a short bench due to injuries and CCC not playing Thiero and Uso earlier in the season. I am afraid that fatigue may be our downfall in the SEC or NCAA tournaments. Having to win on 3 consecutive days in the SEC will be difficult. At least we don't have to win The SEC to get to the NCAA tournament.
If Cason gets hurt, it won't matter if Wheeler plays or not. We're toast.
 

PoBilly

All-Conference
Mar 18, 2012
2,784
4,460
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Does not matter if he is hurt / not hurt / available but wont play or whatever. All you can do it play the guys that want to play. I cannot say (since i have not seen a live game since before Christmas if he is the cancer on the team. The big takeaway is this: since Cal shrunk the rotation down and is playing heavy minutes to 5 or 6 guys total, we are a much better team. Would love to see Frederick come back and help but this team is playing better.
 
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CrimsonCats_rivals

All-Conference
Mar 22, 2022
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I do think that for a few games, the short bench may have actually been a blessing in disguise because it’s allowed guys like Reeves and Livingston to play through their mistakes and build confidence. Livingston in particular isn’t the same player we saw early in the year or even a few weeks ago.

I don’t think it’s fair to suggest that Wheeler is faking an injury so he can pout about playing time though. There’s never been any indication of him having poor character, and honestly, speed and quickness are his primary skills, so if he has a gimpy ankle robbing him of that, it makes sense for him to try to heal before playing again.
 

OmahaCats

All-Conference
Apr 10, 2020
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Cal can't help himself concerning Wheeler's PT, so taking him off the board altogether is best.

My question is Wheeler actually injured...🤔

If Wheeler does return, the bad play will return. Simply can't endure him on the floor like last season.
You just can’t get him out of your head
 
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Boyd94

All-American
Feb 16, 2022
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I do think that for a few games, the short bench may have actually been a blessing in disguise because it’s allowed guys like Reeves and Livingston to play through their mistakes and build confidence. Livingston in particular isn’t the same player we saw early in the year or even a few weeks ago.

I don’t think it’s fair to suggest that Wheeler is faking an injury so he can pout about playing time though. There’s never been any indication of him having poor character, honestly speed and quickness are his primary skills, so if he has a gimpy ankle is robbing him of that, it makes sense for him to try to heal before playing again.
He's never been benched before. We don't really know how he would take it.
 

uk100

Senior
Apr 10, 2007
755
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When someone blasts him at this point its obvious to see what kind of trash they are as a fan . I mean seriously we still attacking him ? We are better with him playin 10-12 minutes as a back up . But lets not act like he is trash or something . He freaking lead the league 2 years in a row in assists . You don't do that if you can't play . Now we just have a superior pg in Wallace but he can't continue to play 40 minutes . Wheeler needs to get back to spell him some . Cal was playing him right before the injury . 10-15 minutes a game.
'
you are right. funny how some posters slam these guy's and claim they are big boys, and should just take it, but say something negative about them and they cry to the high heavens
 

Indymycats

All-American
Nov 4, 2002
15,453
9,129
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I think he would be nice to give Cason a break, he’s struggled lately due to injury and fatigue. If Cal can keep him in only during restful sessions or games he’s a real advantage in.
The biggest concern to me coming down the stretch is Casons recent work load. A healthy Wheeler for 5 minutes a half could really help Cason IMO. A healthy Wheeler is also insurance in the event Wallace is in foul trouble. If you’ve noticed when Wallace is out we are immediately vulnerable. I don’t think anyone wants to see 30 minutes a game from Wheeler with the continuity we have built but in control 10 minutes a game Wheeler is a good thing IMO.
 

Cats192

Heisman
Apr 22, 2011
14,924
17,879
93
The biggest concern to me coming down the stretch is Casons recent work load. A healthy Wheeler for 5 minutes a half could really help Cason IMO. A healthy Wheeler is also insurance in the event Wallace is in foul trouble. If you’ve noticed when Wallace is out we are immediately vulnerable. I don’t think anyone wants to see 30 minutes a game from Wheeler with the continuity we have built but in control 10 minutes a game Wheeler is a good thing IMO.
I agree with all of this. Give Wheeler 5 minutes per half so that Wallace can rest. Play him when Wallace is in foul trouble. And that's it.

As the OP pointed out, Cal can't help himself.

We had a few games where Wheeler came off the bench--had a good first few minutes--so Cal decides to play Wheeler longer than he should have. He tries to keep him out there with Cason.

All of a sudden, the offense dies. The other team goes on a run. And whatever moment we have evaporates.
 

Cats192

Heisman
Apr 22, 2011
14,924
17,879
93
I’ve been hard on wheeler, but THIS THREAD SHOULD BE DETED.

We’re better than kicking a player when he is down.

C’mon gang. Be better.
This isn't kicking him when he is down.

This is discussing WHY the team is doing so much better. Cal has absolutely hurt the offense by forcing Wheeler into the lineup for prolonged minutes.

No one is saying Wheeler is a bad human or deserves to die. The team is simply better without him having 20 minutes a game. IF he comes back, Cal needs to keep him to 10 minutes per game
 

ruppcat

All-American
Jan 1, 2003
3,698
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I think it’s about time this board laid off Wheeler a bit. It’s getting kind of pathetic.
Agree.

I remember being hard on Roger Hardin in the 80s. I didn't think the kid had what it took to be a UK guard. But he worked on his game.

In his senior year he was the guy I wanted with the ball at the end of the game.

We have to remember these are 18-22 yr old kids playing a game.

Right now there are 18-22 years olds on guard duty somewhere protecting this great land so we can argue about a kid playing a game.

Perspective.
 

Indymycats

All-American
Nov 4, 2002
15,453
9,129
113
I agree with all of this. Give Wheeler 5 minutes per half so that Wallace can rest. Play him when Wallace is in foul trouble. And that's it.

As the OP pointed out, Cal can't help himself.

We had a few games where Wheeler came off the bench--had a good first few minutes--so Cal decides to play Wheeler longer than he should have. He tries to keep him out there with Cason.

All of a sudden, the offense dies. The other team goes on a run. And whatever moment we have evaporates.
Yes this is certainly a concern. I think the answer is clear controlled minutes. Breather here and there for Cason or foul trouble, that’s the key.
 

4Frusciante#

All-American
Jan 15, 2021
3,280
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Oscar wasn't himself earlier in the year, probably because of the knee surgery. Now he is himself.
Toppin has finally become the player we dreamed he'd be the past few games
Reeves is shooting at huge baskets.

None of those things are because our backup point guard has been out.
 
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*Fox2Monk*

Heisman
Jun 10, 2009
47,506
87,023
113
The biggest concern to me coming down the stretch is Casons recent work load. A healthy Wheeler for 5 minutes a half could really help Cason IMO. A healthy Wheeler is also insurance in the event Wallace is in foul trouble. If you’ve noticed when Wallace is out we are immediately vulnerable. I don’t think anyone wants to see 30 minutes a game from Wheeler with the continuity we have built but in control 10 minutes a game Wheeler is a good thing IMO.
I agree 100%.
 

*Fox2Monk*

Heisman
Jun 10, 2009
47,506
87,023
113
Then ccc should have gotten more guys from the portal, especially a point guard that can score
I agree or just use who we have. If Adou would be developed he can at least give a breather at guard for a couple minutes here and there. Plus like you said one more guard from the portal would be great. Imagine if we had the kid who went to Texas, Carr as he is balling out this year. Him and Cason would be a nasty backcourt.
 

bballcat4

All-Conference
Jan 12, 2008
4,177
4,470
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This is a better team without Wheeler.

He needs no minutes. Theiro can spell Wallace. Frederick can spell Wallace.

But I don’t blame Wheeler. I would want to play too.

I blame Cal for playing him.
I disagree. Teams are going to blitz Thiero when he’s running point and try to turn him over. Coaches copy others. It will happen more frequently. (I like Thiero at other positions.)

We need Wheeler to provide Cason for 4-5 mins per half, and end of games if teams are pressing us. (Fla)

A few things concern me. 1) Cal playing Wheeler too many mins instead of whats needed to just get Wallace couple short breathers. 2) Wheeler’s mental ability to accept the limited role. That’s tough on anyone. 3) Wallace getting into foul trouble. 4) Wallace back spasms.

Chemistry is important, and with Fredrick, we have a 7 man rotation plus some players who can provide spot duty. But, I don’t see us advancing far if Thiero is only option to back up Wallace.
 
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