Sahvir Wheeler will reunite with Keion Brooks at Washington

Sahvir Wheeler will team up with another former Kentucky Wildcat next season. Wheeler just committed to Washington, where he’ll play alongside his old teammate Keion Brooks. The announcement came during an appearance on “The Chop Shop,” a YouTube show based in Houston, Wheeler’s hometown. Kansas State, Georgia, Texas A&M, and Baylor were also rumored to be in the mix.

“My old teammate Keion Brooks is there as well, so it’ll be a reunion,” Wheeler said. “My three biggest factors were style of play, that’s something I mentioned earlier that every recruit has to look into; my roster, who I’m going to be playing with, what guys are coming back, how can I fit with them, how can they fit with me, how can we compliment each other; and NIL. That’s the space we’re at in the new day and age where that stuff is important.

“As far as style of play, being able to play fast, being able to play with a lot of freedom, being able to get a lot of guys the ball, high-possession game — because that’s where I’m at my best, being able to attack early on offense, made baskets, being able to push it down their throat on a miss.”

Wheeler mentioned Brooks, incoming freshman guard Wesley Yates, Portland transfer Moses Woods, and centers Franck Kepnang and Braxton Meah as players he’s looking forward to playing alongside.

“Having those pieces around me knowing they’ll allow me to be my best. Ultimately, a coaching staff that not necessarily believes in me but is empowering me. ‘Yo, go be you. Be you. We’re bringing in you. We didn’t want a point guard. We wanted Sahvir Wheeler.’ And they made that abundantly clear. Just the opportunity to get back to the tournament and get back to winning basketball.”

Wheeler entered the transfer portal on March 27, ending his two-year career at Kentucky. He finished his time in Lexington in the top five of total SEC assists (656), 1,107 career points, and 11 double-doubles in 85 starts. As a Wildcat, Wheeler averaged 9.1 points, 6.3 assists, and 2.5 rebounds per game while shooting 43.2% overall from the field in 51 total appearances, 43 being starts.

Wheeler spent his first two seasons at Georgia, where he averaged 9.0 points and 4.5 rebounds as a freshman before exploding for an average of 14.0 points, 7.4 assists, and 1.7 steals per contest as a sophomore. Coming out of high school, he initially signed with Texas A&M but was granted a release when Billy Kennedy left.

“For the past two years you all have been nothing short of amazing,” Wheeler wrote on social media after entering the transfer portal last month. “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.

“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. Playing alongside 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. With that being said, I look forward to graduating from the University of Kentucky this May and have entered the transfer portal as a graduate transfer.”

John Calipari wished his former point guard well as he looked to explore his options elsewhere, adding that he supported his decision to move on.

“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 said. “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.”