Sahvir Wheeler expects to be available for Kentucky in NCAA Tournament

For the second year in a row, Kentucky enters the NCAA Tournament with some injury issues in the backcourt. The Wildcats are limping into the postseason, but some promising updates are starting to roll in.

CJ Fredrick and Cason Wallace were able to return from injury to play in the SEC Tournament last weekend. Sahvir Wheeler appears to be ready to join them in the NCAA Tournament.

In an open media session in Greensboro on Thursday afternoon, the senior point guard believes he will be ready to roll on Friday night when No. 6 seed Kentucky faces No. 11 seed Providence.

Sahvir Wheeler says he will be available tomorrow night and says he excited to be back out there with his teammates @ASeaOfBlue #BBN pic.twitter.com/pmTSgkHYzv

— Dylan Ballard (@DylanBallard_UK) March 16, 2023

When asked in the locker room if he’s been available to practice, the senior confirmed that he has been practicing with the team. When asked if he will be available on Friday, Wheeler stated “believe so” in a short exchange with the media.

It sounds like Kentucky could have enhanced point guard depth to open up the Big Dance.

The former Georgia transfer is in year two at Kentucky and has played in 21 games with 14 starting assignments this season. Wheeler has been out of the lineup for the past nine games since playing 11 minutes in a 72-67 home win over Florida on Feb. 4. The senior reportedly suffered an ankle injury before a home game against Arkansas.

The veteran seems poised to make a return soon.

“It’s been tough. I think the toughest thing is not being out there with my guys,” Wheeler said when asked about his injury. “But also it’s been great recovering, doing the best I can. Getting better each and every day, each and every rep, each and every practice, each and every workout. I’m just super excited to be in this situation again, to be in the tournament with my guys. Hopefully, we do some great things.”

Wheeler enters the tournament averaging 7.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game. Kentucky could be adding much-needed bench option as a March run begins.