Sahvir Wheeler releases heartfelt statement to Kentucky fans after announcing transfer decision

Kentucky senior guard Sahvir Wheeler has written a message to Wildcats faithful after he announced he’d be entering the transfer portal as a graduate. He said his time at Kentucky was “invaluable.”

After playing two seasons at Georgia to begin his college career, Wheeler transferred to Kentucky ahead of the 2021-22 season. In two years for the Wildcats, he’s appeared in 51 games and averaged 9.1 points per game.

“For the past two years you all have been nothing short of amazing. Some of my greatest memories that I will take away from my time at Kentucky will be my time spent interacting with the fans. The community service opportunities that I was able to participate in with you all were invaluable and I will always be thankful,” Wheeler wrote in a caption on his Instagram post.

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He went on to thank his teammates and coach John Calipari for all they did with him and for him.

“To my teammates, we have made so many memorable moments. We competed everyday, committed to making each other better, and I would not change that experience. Each one of you has made an impact on me and I consider you all brothers for life,” Wheeler said. “Playing along side of you guys has truly been a dream come true.

“To Coach Cal and all the staff, thank you for giving me the opportunity to represent such a prominent university.”

But now that he’s going to graduate from Kentucky in May, Wheeler has a year of eligibility to use and he’s choosing to see where else he might spend it.

Calipari was completely supportive of his senior point guard’s decision after the fact.

“I talked with Sahvir a few days ago and he decided that he wants to graduate and play one more year because of the injuries he faced this year,” Calipari wrote on Twitter. “He also wanted a fresh start, and I supported his decision. Sahvir has been a big part of our team and we wish him nothing but the best.”

Wheeler’s decision to leave Lexington is the first of what head coach John Calipari expects all of his seniors to leave Kentucky before the portal cycle is over. That includes national player of the year Oscar Tshiebwe, Antonio Reeves, Jacob Toppin and CJ Fredrick, whether that be to the pros or the transfer portal — though none have made any official decision as of this report.