Erica Wheeler (basketball)


Erica Wheeler is an American professional basketball player for the Indiana Fever of the Women's National Basketball Association. Wheeler was undrafted out of Rutgers, but eventually made her way into the WNBA in 2015.

Early years

Wheeler grew up in the Miami neighborhood of Liberty City. Liberty City is one of the worst, most crime-ridden inner cities in America, and Wheeler saw two of her close friends die when she was young. Wheeler attended Parkway Academy and was a member of the basketball team there.

College career

Wheeler committed to play at Rutgers in 2009. Rutgers reached the NCAA Tournament in each of her first three seasons. Wheeler contributed as a junior, leading the team in steals, and averaging just under 10 points per game. Prior to her senior year, Wheeler's mother died of cancer. However, Wheeler finished her senior season and graduated from Rutgers.

Rutgers statistics

Source
YearTeamGPPointsFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG
2009-10Rutgers3411626.1726.8387.51.110.790.710.123.41
2010-11Rutgers3332137.9936.1871.113.031.760.061.709.73
2011-12Rutgers3227535.0530.2380.002.751.530.131.638.59
2012-13Rutgers3031535.4429.21753.232.370.132.5310.5
CareerRutgers1291,02735.2231.477.02.51.60.11.67.062

Professional career

WNBA

Wheeler earned a try-out in 2015 for the Atlanta Dream after not being selected in the WNBA Draft. Wheeler appeared in 17 games for the Dream in 2015, but was eventually cut. Wheeler then moved to the New York Liberty, and appeared three times. In 2016, Wheeler was signed after training camp by the Indiana Fever. Wheeler started 25 games for the Fever In 2017, Wheeler continued with the Fever and was second on the team in scoring, and led the team in assists. In 2019, Wheeler became the first undrafted player ever in the WNBA to be named All-Star Game MVP.

Overseas

Wheeler signed with Fabio Jardine who facilitated her move to the Brazilian league. Wheeler continued to play overseas in the WNBA offseaon making appearances in Puerto Rico, Turkey, and Brazil.

WNBA career statistics

Regular season

Playoffs