CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Before his arrival at Freed Hardeman University, JJ Wheat was known as a winner at Clarksville High School. Now, his success has transitioned to the next level of play.
Going into Wheat’s freshman season, Freed Hardeman hadn’t won a conference championship since 2015. Now, in two years’ time, the Lions have won two conference championships, and thanks to some clutch play from Wheat, Freed Hardeman is the reigning NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) champion. Their victory on Tuesday, March 26, marked the first-ever for the Lions program.
Wheat, a 2,000-point scorer for CHS, accomplished many things during his high school career, including being a two-time region champion, district champion and part of a Wildcats team that made two consecutive trips to the state tournament. He was also recognized as region and district MVP.
However, even with the success he had, Wheat did not receive a single Division-I offer. He said that while other schools gave him interest, Freed Hardeman was one of only two that offered him a scholarship and continued to pursue him through his recruiting process.
“Freed Hardeman really just showed me love,” Wheat told Clarksville Now. “With Coach (Drew) Stutts, he constantly texted me and checked up on me. It made me feel like they wanted me, and that’s what helped me make my decision.”
Wheat’s instant impact
At Freed Hardeman, Wheat made an immediate impact on the floor, as he started 11 games for the Lions while shooting 49.4% from the field. FHU went on to win the Mid-South conference tournament during the 2022-23 season and advanced to the NAIA sweet 16, but ultimately fell. Wheat said that loss fueled his fire in the offseason, and he lived in the gym during his time off.
“The biggest transition from my freshman to sophomore year was just the offseason of work,” Wheat said. “I wanted to make my body stronger and just improve myself; that way I could be ready and help my team.”
That training showed during his sophomore year: Wheat improved his averages in statistical categories such as points per game, assists per game, rebounds per game, steals per game and blocks per game. His field goal and three-point percentage also improved in 2023-24, shooting an efficient 56.5% from the field and 40% from the three.
With Wheat helping lead the way, the Lions repeated as conference champions and returned to the NAIA tournament. However, Wheat entered NAIA tournament play with a sprained ankle, which he sustained in his conference championship game. No matter the circumstances, JJ did what he always has done: He found a way.
“I woke up the next day (after the conference championship) and felt like I could barely walk,” Wheat said. “I was just praying to God, please let me be able to have an impact in these games. I love my team and I’m a warrior. No matter how bad I’m in pain, if I feel like I can help the team, that’s what I’m going to do.”
Freed Hardeman’s championship journey
Wheat’s tenacity proved fruitful, as he would play crucial minutes in the Lions’ championship run, including a 20-point performance in the semifinals against Grace University.
Meanwhile, in the national championship game, Wheat stepped up when he needed to most. With 35 seconds left in the game and Freed Hardeman down 1 point, Wheat drove to the basketball and drew the foul. He went on to sink both free throws to give the Lions the lead and hustled back on defense to make a game-saving block.
After his defensive effort, he raced down the floor for a layup in transition, all but sealing the first national championship in school history for Freed Hardeman, a school that’s been around since 1869. Wheat attributed his late burst of energy to his brother, Calvin Wheat.
“It was his birthday, I wanted to win it for him,” Wheat said. “We were down late, and I knew had to try to do something. That dog came out in me, and I was laser focused; it felt great.”
After only two years, Wheat has established himself as a two-time conference champion and NAIA champion. He was also named to the All-Tournament team, while receiving the Charles Stevenson Hustle Award. With what he continues to accomplish, Wheat has a simple motto – heart over height.
“I play with my heart more than anything,” Wheat said. “I had that mindset instilled in me by my parents who I owe a lot to. I go out there every night and give it my all, no matter who we’re playing against. That’s what I do.”