Thursday produces good news for Wheeler

Thursday was a good day for Jamari Wheeler.

The point guard from Rock School in Gainesville, Fla., first received a release from his National Letter of Intent with Duquesne and then received offers from six other schools.

“All of the offers came right after I got my release,” Wheeler said. “It was the first day coaches could contact me and it was really good.”

Wheeler signed with Duquesne in November, but requested and was granted a release from the school after coach Jim Ferry was fired on March 13. Wheeler received the release on Thursday and the offers promptly followed: Auburn, Houston, South Florida, Penn State, James Madison and Buffalo.

Wheeler spoke to several coaches throughout the day, including Auburn assistant Harris Adler.

“It was nice getting an offer from Auburn,” Wheeler said. “It’s in the SEC and that’s a big conference in basketball. I know a lot about Auburn, the school and the football program, and I know some players in basketball. Austin Wiley, the big freshman who left school early, was in the same league as me.”

Wheeler is considering a visit to Auburn, but has not set a date.

“I have three (official) visits left to take,” Wheeler said. “But I haven’t set up any. I’m not in a hurry. I’m just taking my time to see which coaches call and if I get any other offers. In a week or two is probably when I’ll start setting up my visits.”

The basketball signing period begins April 12.

Wheeler, who is 6-foot-1 and weighs 170 pounds, played point guard and averaged 17 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and four steals per game as a senior.