40 Clint Wheeler

Clint Wheeler was born Jasper Clinton Wheeler on July 13, 1948, in Pikeville, Kentucky, to William Godfrey Wheeler and Frances Dee Jenkins Wheeler. He grew up in Ashland, where he starred at Paul G. Blazer High School, earning 1966 Herald-Leader All-State honors and selection to Kentucky’s East-West All-Star Game. A 6-foot-7 forward, Wheeler was one of Adolph Rupp’s most highly regarded recruits in the spring of 1966, joining a celebrated freshman class that also included Dan Issel, Randy Pool, Mort Fraley, Art Laib and Jim Dinwiddie.

Wheeler quickly emerged as one of the leaders of Harry Lancaster’s undefeated freshman team during the 1966-67 season. While future All-Americans Dan Issel, Mike Casey and Mike Pratt provided much of the scoring, Lancaster repeatedly praised Wheeler’s rapid development, rebounding and defensive play, even comparing his progress favorably to former Kentucky standout Phil Grawemeyer. Wheeler produced several outstanding performances, including 15 points and 10 rebounds against Tennessee’s freshmen, a 13-rebound effort supporting Issel in another victory, and a 14-rebound game against the UK Law School team. Reporters frequently highlighted his hustle and physical play, and Lancaster believed Wheeler had the potential to become “the difference between a good freshman team and a great one.”

After the season, Wheeler dedicated himself to preparing for the varsity level. He added approximately 20 pounds to his frame while taking summer classes at Ashland Community College, and reports reaching Lexington were highly favorable. His progress, however, was interrupted when he suffered a ligament injury during preseason running drills before his sophomore season. The injury caused him to miss much of preseason practice and altered the trajectory of his varsity career. Although he recovered and lettered at Kentucky, he never fully secured the larger role many expected following his outstanding freshman campaign.

Wheeler played four seasons at Kentucky under Hall of Fame coach Adolph Rupp and remained with the program through the beginning of Joe B. Hall’s tenure. He appeared in 37 varsity games from 1967-68 through 1970-71, contributing primarily as a reserve forward behind one of the deepest frontcourts in the nation. His teammates included All-Americans Dan Issel, Mike Casey, Tom Parker and Tom Payne, and he was a member of Kentucky’s 1969-70 team that finished the regular season ranked No. 1 in the nation. During the 1969-70 season, Wheeler was among several Wildcats disciplined following a team-rules incident in Starkville, Mississippi, but Adolph Rupp reinstated him the following day, and he remained with the team through his senior season. He was honored on Senior Day in 1971 alongside classmates Mike Casey, Jim Dinwiddie, Terry Mills and Larry Steele.

Away from basketball, Wheeler served in the Kentucky National Guard until 1973 and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kentucky before beginning a successful career in pharmaceutical sales. Wheeler remained a devoted supporter of Kentucky basketball throughout his life and enjoyed attending games with former teammates Terry Mills and Stan Key. A faithful member of the Church of the Savior in Nicholasville, he was remembered by family as a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Wheeler died on November 6, 2025, at the age of 77.