Wheeler was incredible this weekend

[OmahaCats]

There is no doubt that he’s the guy that needs to run the show for this team. Outside of the abysmal 0-9 from 3, he made 22-27 2 pt fg’s. That’s an incredible % for a 5’9” player. He was 14-15 from the ft line. He averaged 6 assists per game with 1.5 turnovers a game. A 4:1 ratio is unreal.
you take away his 3 point shooting and he’s got everything you want in a pg. not to mention his blinding speed (which is a major reason his numbers are so good). If he doesn’t average over 2 3pt fg attempts per game during the season (averaged 1.7 a game last year), I’ll take him all day as the main pg

 

[UKortho]

How days he look physically? I know he was working out and dieting over the Summer. Has he changed physically?

 

[CincinnatiWildcat]

He has always been very good, he just isn't a great shooter. His ability to play at the right pace and pressure the ball full court without getting tired is extremely valuable and always has been.

 

[HagginHall1999]

How days he look physically? I know he was working out and dieting over the Summer. Has he changed physically?

Goose said he looks like he has bulked up muscle wise.

I definitely feel like he has lost some weight in mid section.

 

[bucsrule8872]

He’s the best transition PG in college.

Problem is, unlike our opponents this week, most college teams will not let us get out in transition.

So the question remains, is he the best PG to play against a zone or sagging halfcourt man to man defense? That’s what we are going to see a lot this year. It’s the only way teams will be able to stop Wheeler.

 

[CardBallStinker]

He’s the best transition PG in college.

Problem is, unlike our opponents this week, most college teams will not let us get out in transition.

So the question remains, is he the best PG to play against a zone or sagging halfcourt man to man defense? That’s what we are going to see a lot this year. It’s the only way teams will be able to stop Wheeler.

Even last year, Wheeler created and guys missed shots that he set them up for. He’s better than Teague was, but he can’t make the shots he assists

 

[revcort]

He’s the best transition PG in college.

Problem is, unlike our opponents this week, most college teams will not let us get out in transition.

So the question remains, is he the best PG to play against a zone or sagging halfcourt man to man defense? That’s what we are going to see a lot this year. It’s the only way teams will be able to stop Wheeler.

So long as the supporting cast makes their shots, he is still the best guy to run the offense. When the supporting cast made shots last season, that team was probably the best in the nation. If Wheeler feels like has to distribute AND score all the points, that's when he got himself in trouble. In that Duke game last year, Wheeler played great early, had 10 assists in the game, but in the 2nd half when we were struggling to score and Duke stretched out a lead, he tried to do too much and turned it over. The St Peter's game was similar in some ways, though Wheeler shot 4-8 in the game and was the 2nd leading scorer. The problem was TyTy shot 2-11, Brooks shot 2-7, and Grady was 1-9. Wheeler never was the problem.

So, the real question becomes: is this year's supporting cast better than last year's?

 

[HerrosHeroes]

If Wheeler plays within his limitations ie distributes and pushes the temp while playing sold D and hits his fts; we are going to win #9 this year. Its as simple as that.

 

[BigCat241]

So the question remains, is he the best PG to play against a zone or sagging halfcourt man to man defense? That’s what we are going to see a lot this year. It’s the only way teams will be able to stop Wheeler.

Yes. Even more probably in a zone when the best way to break it is by passing at a high level which Wheeler is by far the best at on our team.

 

[reggis]

So long as the supporting cast makes their shots, he is still the best guy to run the offense. When the supporting cast made shots last season, that team was probably the best in the nation. If Wheeler feels like has to distribute AND score all the points, that's when he got himself in trouble. In that Duke game last year, Wheeler played great early, had 10 assists in the game, but in the 2nd half when we were struggling to score and Duke stretched out a lead, he tried to do too much and turned it over. The St Peter's game was similar in some ways, though Wheeler shot 4-8 in the game and was the 2nd leading scorer. The problem was TyTy shot 2-11, Brooks shot 2-7, and Grady was 1-9. Wheeler never was the problem.

So, the real question becomes: is this year's supporting cast better than last year's?

glad to see him make free throws and not let the st peters game carry over

 

[revcort]

Assists per game leaders 2021-22
1Yuri CollinsSaint LouisSo.6-0G342677.9
2Jalen MooreOaklandJr.5-11G302317.7
3Sahvir WheelerKentuckyJr.5-9G302076.9
4Grant SherfieldNevadaJr.6-2G281796.4
5Hunter MaldonadoWyomingSr.6-7G332076.3

Top assists leaders 2020-21

PLAYERS	GP	GS	MPG	AST	APG	AST/40	TO	TPG	TO%	AST/TO	AST%

1	J. MooreOAK	30	29	37.8	252	8.4	8.9	115	3.8	18.4	2.19	45.9
2	C. MackPV	18	17	35.9	138	7.7	8.5	58	3.2	21.4	2.38	37.5
3	C. RossPEPP	24	24	37.5	179	7.5	8.0	94	3.9	20.1	1.90	39.0
4	K. DavisSMU	16	16	34.4	118	7.4	8.6	40	2.5	13.5	2.95	45.2
5	S. WheelerUGA	26	26	34.8	193	7.4	8.5	115	4.4	23.1	1.68	38.5
6	J. PrestonOHIO	18	17	33.9	130	7.2	8.5

Top assists in a season in UK history...

#	Name	Season	Games	Assists
1	Tyler Ulis	2015-16	35	246
2	John Wall	2009-10	37	241
3	Roger Harden	1985-86	36	232
4	Sahvir Wheeler	2021-22	30	207
5	Travis Ford	1993-94	33	193
5	Anthony Epps	1996-97	40	193
7	Ashton Hagans	2019-20	30	191
7	Marquis Teague	2011-12	40	191
9	Shai Gilgeous-Alexander	2017-18	37	189
10	Dirk Minniefield	1981-82	30	188
11	Dirk Minniefield	1982-83	31	181
12	Kyle Macy	1977-78	32	178
13	Anthony Epps	1995-96	36	175
14	Wayne Turner	1997-98	39	173
15	Rajon Rondo

If you switch to assists per game for UK history, Wheeler is 2nd behind only Tyler Ulis.

So, this becomes the question: do you bench Wheeler, for his senior season, in favor of a freshman?

 

[bucsrule8872]

Assists per game leaders 2021-22
1Yuri CollinsSaint LouisSo.6-0G342677.9
2Jalen MooreOaklandJr.5-11G302317.7
3Sahvir WheelerKentuckyJr.5-9G302076.9
4Grant SherfieldNevadaJr.6-2G281796.4
5Hunter MaldonadoWyomingSr.6-7G332076.3

Top assists leaders 2020-21

PLAYERS	GP	GS	MPG	AST	APG	AST/40	TO	TPG	TO%	AST/TO	AST%

1	J. MooreOAK	30	29	37.8	252	8.4	8.9	115	3.8	18.4	2.19	45.9
2	C. MackPV	18	17	35.9	138	7.7	8.5	58	3.2	21.4	2.38	37.5
3	C. RossPEPP	24	24	37.5	179	7.5	8.0	94	3.9	20.1	1.90	39.0
4	K. DavisSMU	16	16	34.4	118	7.4	8.6	40	2.5	13.5	2.95	45.2
5	S. WheelerUGA	26	26	34.8	193	7.4	8.5	115	4.4	23.1	1.68	38.5
6	J. PrestonOHIO	18	17	33.9	130	7.2	8.5

Top assists in a season in UK history...

#	Name	Season	Games	Assists
1	Tyler Ulis	2015-16	35	246
2	John Wall	2009-10	37	241
3	Roger Harden	1985-86	36	232
4	Sahvir Wheeler	2021-22	30	207
5	Travis Ford	1993-94	33	193
5	Anthony Epps	1996-97	40	193
7	Ashton Hagans	2019-20	30	191
7	Marquis Teague	2011-12	40	191
9	Shai Gilgeous-Alexander	2017-18	37	189
10	Dirk Minniefield	1981-82	30	188
11	Dirk Minniefield	1982-83	31	181
12	Kyle Macy	1977-78	32	178
13	Anthony Epps	1995-96	36	175
14	Wayne Turner	1997-98	39	173
15	Rajon Rondo

If you switch to assists per game for UK history, Wheeler is 2nd behind only Tyler Ulis.

So, this becomes the question: do you bench Wheeler, for his senior season, in favor of a freshman?

The same question was asked about Darius Miller when MKG arrived.

 

[tls]

Assists per game leaders 2021-22
1Yuri CollinsSaint LouisSo.6-0G342677.9
2Jalen MooreOaklandJr.5-11G302317.7
3Sahvir WheelerKentuckyJr.5-9G302076.9
4Grant SherfieldNevadaJr.6-2G281796.4
5Hunter MaldonadoWyomingSr.6-7G332076.3

Top assists leaders 2020-21

PLAYERS	GP	GS	MPG	AST	APG	AST/40	TO	TPG	TO%	AST/TO	AST%

1	J. MooreOAK	30	29	37.8	252	8.4	8.9	115	3.8	18.4	2.19	45.9
2	C. MackPV	18	17	35.9	138	7.7	8.5	58	3.2	21.4	2.38	37.5
3	C. RossPEPP	24	24	37.5	179	7.5	8.0	94	3.9	20.1	1.90	39.0
4	K. DavisSMU	16	16	34.4	118	7.4	8.6	40	2.5	13.5	2.95	45.2
5	S. WheelerUGA	26	26	34.8	193	7.4	8.5	115	4.4	23.1	1.68	38.5
6	J. PrestonOHIO	18	17	33.9	130	7.2	8.5

Top assists in a season in UK history...

#	Name	Season	Games	Assists
1	Tyler Ulis	2015-16	35	246
2	John Wall	2009-10	37	241
3	Roger Harden	1985-86	36	232
4	Sahvir Wheeler	2021-22	30	207
5	Travis Ford	1993-94	33	193
5	Anthony Epps	1996-97	40	193
7	Ashton Hagans	2019-20	30	191
7	Marquis Teague	2011-12	40	191
9	Shai Gilgeous-Alexander	2017-18	37	189
10	Dirk Minniefield	1981-82	30	188
11	Dirk Minniefield	1982-83	31	181
12	Kyle Macy	1977-78	32	178
13	Anthony Epps	1995-96	36	175
14	Wayne Turner	1997-98	39	173
15	Rajon Rondo

If you switch to assists per game for UK history, Wheeler is 2nd behind only Tyler Ulis.

So, this becomes the question: do you bench Wheeler, for his senior season, in favor of a freshman?

Cason looked like a freshman today against solid competition. He’ll be good but not Wheeler good at the point.

 

[OmahaCats]

How days he look physically? I know he was working out and dieting over the Summer. Has he changed physically?

I mean his physique looks the same to me. But he’s the quickest player on the floor in pretty much every game. So I’m not worried about what he looks like physically

 

[dckala2_rivals16641]

He’s the best transition PG in college.

Problem is, unlike our opponents this week, most college teams will not let us get out in transition.

So the question remains, is he the best PG to play against a zone or sagging halfcourt man to man defense? That’s what we are going to see a lot this year. It’s the only way teams will be able to stop Wheeler.

Great post

 

[dckala2_rivals16641]

Self has thrown the junk 1-3-1 and bo ryan exposed the defensive flaws with the high corner ball screen. There are less talented but well coached teams that can St. Peter’s easily.

 

[revcort]

Cason looked like a freshman today against solid competition. He’ll be good but not Wheeler good at the point.

Agreed. Reeves made a case to start at the 2 ahead of Wallace this week, especially early in the season. Wallace will get it figured out, though, of this I have little doubt. He will be a good pg by the end of the year but he will not be able to do what Wheeler can do even then. Wheeler's speed and ability to make plays is elite. But what Wallace can offer is another penetrating guard on the wing who can knock down threes at a good percentage. That's the best thing, we have both and they'll both be on the floor a lot. And since Wheeler is so good, Wallace can come along at his own pace.

 

[Cobb4uk_rivals287622]

Assists per game leaders 2021-22
1Yuri CollinsSaint LouisSo.6-0G342677.9
2Jalen MooreOaklandJr.5-11G302317.7
3Sahvir WheelerKentuckyJr.5-9G302076.9
4Grant SherfieldNevadaJr.6-2G281796.4
5Hunter MaldonadoWyomingSr.6-7G332076.3

Top assists leaders 2020-21

PLAYERS	GP	GS	MPG	AST	APG	AST/40	TO	TPG	TO%	AST/TO	AST%

1	J. MooreOAK	30	29	37.8	252	8.4	8.9	115	3.8	18.4	2.19	45.9
2	C. MackPV	18	17	35.9	138	7.7	8.5	58	3.2	21.4	2.38	37.5
3	C. RossPEPP	24	24	37.5	179	7.5	8.0	94	3.9	20.1	1.90	39.0
4	K. DavisSMU	16	16	34.4	118	7.4	8.6	40	2.5	13.5	2.95	45.2
5	S. WheelerUGA	26	26	34.8	193	7.4	8.5	115	4.4	23.1	1.68	38.5
6	J. PrestonOHIO	18	17	33.9	130	7.2	8.5

Top assists in a season in UK history...

#	Name	Season	Games	Assists
1	Tyler Ulis	2015-16	35	246
2	John Wall	2009-10	37	241
3	Roger Harden	1985-86	36	232
4	Sahvir Wheeler	2021-22	30	207
5	Travis Ford	1993-94	33	193
5	Anthony Epps	1996-97	40	193
7	Ashton Hagans	2019-20	30	191
7	Marquis Teague	2011-12	40	191
9	Shai Gilgeous-Alexander	2017-18	37	189
10	Dirk Minniefield	1981-82	30	188
11	Dirk Minniefield	1982-83	31	181
12	Kyle Macy	1977-78	32	178
13	Anthony Epps	1995-96	36	175
14	Wayne Turner	1997-98	39	173
15	Rajon Rondo

If you switch to assists per game for UK history, Wheeler is 2nd behind only Tyler Ulis.

So, this becomes the question: do you bench Wheeler, for his senior season, in favor of a freshman?

Good post. He only needs a little over 200 assist to become the all time leader in the SEC. I believe Karem (sp) Reed, former Razorback, holds the record. IMO the speed of Reeves will benefit Wheelers assist, he seems to be in the correct spots constantly during the Bahamas games.

 

[UKortho]

I mean his physique looks the same to me. But he’s the quickest player on the floor in pretty much every game. So I’m not worried about what he looks like physically

Well, I guess he was concerned. He said he was “more explosive, faster, and stronger” after dieting over the Summer. He also said he was working on his stamina. Cal also said that Wheeler “may have struggled with weight related conditioning”. If we are going to go far in the tournament he definitely needs to be in the best condition.

 

[DelkBowl]

How can you make it to collage as a guard and shoot so bad?

 

[Uk2k4]

It worries me that a team will just do what the peacocks did and not guard him come tournament time.

 

[*Fox2Monk*]

How days he look physically? I know he was working out and dieting over the Summer. Has he changed physically?

He looks to be in better shape to me. Didn’t look tired at all running around all game.

 

[UKWildcats1987]

It worries me that a team will just do what the peacocks did and not guard him come tournament time.

Well he shot 4/8 and had 11 points. The peacocks were lucky that tyty, Grady and Mintz all bricked the open shots they had.

 

[c1doc]

Zero for 9 from 3 point range!! His man will slack off inside the FT line in Regular season and tourney and clog the lane….

 

[Crawfords Corner]

He was also right about the disadvantage that Kentucky suffers from at the hands of the officials. They tried to sugarcoat it, but Wheeler knows because he played in the SEC.

 

[revcort]

He looks to be in better shape to me. Didn’t look tired at all running around all game.

Yep, everyone was playing their 4th game in 5 days and 2nd in about 14 hours, but Wheeler was still beating everyone down the court and never slowed down. I've seen several folks say he looks fat. One said he should share some weight with Collins. But the truth is, he appears to be in better shape than anyone on the team. He's nonstop and always the fastest guy up the floor in every game.

 

[coachcombs57]

Zero for 9 from 3 point range!! His man will slack off inside the FT line in Regular season and tourney and clog the lane….

If toppin can shoot somewhere near the level he shot during this trip teams won't be able to help off as much. I think we should have a better spaced floor this year which will also help wheelers game

 

[*Fox2Monk*]

Yep, everyone was playing their 4th game in 5 days and 2nd in about 14 hours, but Wheeler was still beating everyone down the court and never slowed down. I've seen several folks say he looks fat. One said he should share some weight with Collins. But the truth is, he appears to be in better shape than anyone on the team. He's nonstop and always the fastest guy up the floor in every game.

It’s just his build, there’s not much room for weight of any kind to go on his frame so he looks bigger but he’s not fat at all. Just built like that. I’ve seen tons of guys who play football who look fat but it’s basically all muscle and how they are built. Like the worlds strongest men. They don’t look that cut but they are thick as a brick.

 

[K_TIME]

He’s the best transition PG in college.

Problem is, unlike our opponents this week, most college teams will not let us get out in transition.

So the question remains, is he the best PG to play against a zone or sagging halfcourt man to man defense? That’s what we are going to see a lot this year. It’s the only way teams will be able to stop Wheeler.

1. I'll concede Wheeler is very good at playmaking in transition...but a huge aspect for a PG in transition is ability ti finish at the rim. Wheeler is very good at getting an angle and finishing off back board. But also at times his lack of explosiveness and just being 5'9 hurts him at finishing in transition. This is why I'd argue Wall, Shai and even Fox was 6'2 were much better at finishing at the rim as you they could explode into a defender at the rim and just finish thru them at ease.
2. The 0-9 from 3pt land is just going to be a problem for some like me and others aren't as bothered by it. He was missing those badly. Hardly any rimmed out....it was clanking off the left, one he hit bottom of backboard and never hit the rim, etc...

In the end, we saw this play out last year where teams that slowed us down, half court grind it out stuff, sagged off Wheeler, went under every ball screen, doubled the post off his man, clogged up driving lanes, etc...Tennessee, St Pete, etc,...this is what we'll see vs. legit teams...and when the offense bogs down, Wheeler ends up with top 3 most shot takers in a game as he's not being guarded, etc...we don't need to come on here and blame the wing players for not being active enough, etc..when the other teams clogs up the place as they don't have to guard all the players on the floor....this is what happens and why shooters that space the floor are so valued.

 

[CapnBlubs]

The shooting is one thing.

But in that St. Peter's game, it was Wheeler's three turnovers (and two missed FTs) during the last 8+ minutes that contributed significantly to our loss. He threw a couple absolutely abominable passes when it mattered most and I haven't forgotten. Maybe some others have? I guess I don't blame you for wanting to put it out of your mind but it's seared painfully into mine.

 

[Wunky]

The shooting is one thing.

But in that St. Peter's game, it was Wheeler's three turnovers (and two missed FTs) during the last 8+ minutes that contributed significantly to our loss. He threw a couple absolutely abominable passes when it mattered most and I haven't forgotten. Maybe some others have? I guess I don't blame you for wanting to put it out of your mind but it's seared painfully into mine.

This. Even though TyTy, Grady and Brooks laid massive eggs in that game... a point guard’s mantra in the waning minutes should be “first do no harm”. Wheeler absolutely killed us with poor decision making which allowed St. Pete to force overtime. In late game situations, the entire team needs to value each possession like it’s their proverbial life. Hopefully he has realized this. Of course the flip side is, you don’t want to play so tight that you run the shot clock down and either throw up a contested shot or don’t get one up at all. That has been a hallmark of Cal teams as well. Cal’s butt puckers up tighter than a snare drum at crunch time. So really we need a lot of trends to reverse for this team to reach its potential.

 

[kl40504_rivals]

Even last year, Wheeler created and guys missed shots that he set them up for. He’s better than Teague was, but he can’t make the shots he assists

Wheeler made quite a few shots.

 

[Gus Polinski]

Wheeler will be the downfall of this team if given the opportunity.

 

[HerrosHeroes]

How can you make it to collage as a guard and shoot so bad?

Because his handles and speed and passing abilities as well as finishing at the rim are literally off the charts. And his D is solid.

 

[HerrosHeroes]

Wheeler will be the downfall of this team if given the opportunity.

Hop on the bus Gus.

 

[ManitouDan_anon]

1. I'll concede Wheeler is very good at playmaking in transition...but a huge aspect for a PG in transition is ability ti finish at the rim. Wheeler is very good at getting an angle and finishing off back board. But also at times his lack of explosiveness and just being 5'9 hurts him at finishing in transition. This is why I'd argue Wall, Shai and even Fox was 6'2 were much better at finishing at the rim as you they could explode into a defender at the rim and just finish thru them at ease.
2. The 0-9 from 3pt land is just going to be a problem for some like me and others aren't as bothered by it. He was missing those badly. Hardly any rimmed out....it was clanking off the left, one he hit bottom of backboard and never hit the rim, etc...

In the end, we saw this play out last year where teams that slowed us down, half court grind it out stuff, sagged off Wheeler, went under every ball screen, doubled the post off his man, clogged up driving lanes, etc...Tennessee, St Pete, etc,...this is what we'll see vs. legit teams...and when the offense bogs down, Wheeler ends up with top 3 most shot takers in a game as he's not being guarded, etc...we don't need to come on here and blame the wing players for not being active enough, etc..when the other teams clogs up the place as they don't have to guard all the players on the floor....this is what happens and why shooters that space the floor are so valued.

Its hoops 101 , doesnt take a genus to see it . And making assumptions about anything from this 4 game set would be unwise .

 

[DelkBowl]

Because his handles and speed and passing abilities as well as finishing at the rim are literally off the charts. And his D is solid.

That doesn’t explain anything about shooting.

 

[HerrosHeroes]

That doesn’t explain anything about shooting.

No but it explains the 1st part of your question now doesnt it?
Actually it explains your entire question because you already stated the part about his shooting woes.
Listen, its going to be a loooong season for some of you if you question me too much.
This team has more than enough to win every single game they play. The nit pickers will be weeded out on a weekly bases with this group I promise you.

 

[OmahaCats]

Well, I guess he was concerned. He said he was “more explosive, faster, and stronger” after dieting over the Summer. He also said he was working on his stamina. Cal also said that Wheeler “may have struggled with weight related conditioning”. If we are going to go far in the tournament he definitely needs to be in the best condition.

Yes definitely. He might be a little stronger. He still kind of has that pudgy look to him. But he’s so lightning fast, that I’m not too concerned

 

[mebeblue2]

No but it explains the 1st part of your question now doesnt it?
Actually it explains your entire question because you already stated the part about his shooting woes.
Listen, its going to be a loooong season for some of you if you question me too much.
This team has more than enough to win every single game they play. The nit pickers will be weeded out on a weekly bases with this group I promise you.

Strawberry or Grape jelly on a PB&J?