The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Ex-bulldog Wheeler could miss game vs. former team
LEXINGTON, KY. — Kentucky was preparing to play Georgia today without point guard Sahvir Wheeler, Wildcats coach John Calipari said on his radio show this week.
Wheeler, who transferred from the Bulldogs after last season, sustained a neck injury early in Kentucky’s loss at LSU on Tuesday night, Calipari said.
“He’ll be day to day,” the UK coach said. “So I’ve got to prepare as though he’s not going to play in that Georgia game in case he doesn’t.”
Wheeler “stirs the drink,” Calipari said.
Wheeler’s backup, Tyty Washington, was limited at LSU because of multiple muscle cramps, Calipari said. When asked if Washington would be able to play against Georgia, the UK coach said, “I hope so.”
Noting that Kellan Grady played point guard for Davidson as a freshman, Calipari mentioned him as possibly getting time.
There’s also Davion Mintz. “The good news is he’s been running the second unit (in practices) as a point guard for a month now,” Calipari said.
Wheeler was hurt with 16:07 left in the first half of Kentucky’s game at LSU on Tuesday. He ran into a screen set by LSU “big” Efton Reid.
Without directly linking the 65-60 loss to Wheeler’s absence, Calipari and Grady spoke of the point guard’s importance to UK’S play.
“He’s the engine on this thing,” Calipari said after the game. “He gets us all moving.”
Jacob Toppin mentioned Wheeler’s impact on both ends of the floor, quickening the pace of play on offense while being disruptive on defense.
Going into Wednesday’s play, Wheeler’s average of 7.3 assists ranked third in Division I. Two players were tied for first with averages of 7.9 assists.
As for defense, Wheeler’s 20 steals lead Kentucky.