Washington trending for Kentucky transfer Sahvir Wheeler

Prov-191884 — Photo by Dr. Michael Huang | Kentucky Sports Radio

Sahvir Wheeler and Keion Brooks Jr. teaming up together in Seattle? Things are trending in that direction, with 247Sports insider Travis Branham placing a Crystal Ball for Wheeler in favor of Washington on Sunday.

The Kentucky guard is in the portal as a grad transfer, the first domino to fall among Wildcats to open the offseason on March 27. Now, is Wheeler set to join the Huskies for his final year of eligibility? It’s officially on the table.

I have plugged a Crystal Ball in for Kentucky transfer Sahvir Wheeler.https://t.co/87ODjWkxmO
— Travis Branham (@TravisBranham_) April 16, 2023

Brooks transferred to Washington last offseason after spending his junior season in Lexington alongside Wheeler in 2021-22. He announced his return to the Huskies for his fifth and final season of eligibility after averaging 17.7 points and 6.7 rebounds per contest as a senior this past year.

Before Brooks, former Kentucky guard Quade Green also made the move from Lexington to Seattle, transferring to Washington for his final two years of college (2019-21).

As for Wheeler, he finished his time as a Wildcat in the top five of total SEC assists (656) to go with 1,107 career points and 11 double-doubles in 85 starts. The native of Houston, TX averaged 9.1 points, 6.3 assists, and 2.5 rebounds per game while shooting 43.2 percent overall from the field in 51 total appearances, 43 being starts.

Before Kentucky, Wheeler averaged 9.0 points and 4.5 rebounds as a freshman at Georgia before exploding for an average of 14.0 points, 7.4 assists and 1.7 steals per contest as a sophomore, all career highs.

After hitting the portal, Kansas State, Georgia, Texas A&M and Baylor were the first schools rumored to have interest in the former Bob Cousy Award finalist, with Washington later joining the mix. He visited the Bulldogs last weekend, mulling a potential return after starting his career in Athens.

“For the past two years you all have been nothing short of amazing,” the senior guard wrote upon transferring from Kentucky. “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.

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“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.”