Nov. 16, 2009

LEXINGTON, Ky. – UK men’s basketball freshman Eric Bledsoe was named the SEC Freshman of the Week as announced by the league office on Monday.

The 6-1 Birmingham, Ala., native helped lead Kentucky to a 75-59 win in Kentucky’s season-opener against Morehead State. Bledsoe scored 24 points in his UK debut, becoming the first Wildcat player since Sam Bowie in 1979 to score 20 or more points in their UK opener. He also pulled down seven rebounds while coming up with two blocks and finished the game shooting 90 percent from the free throw line.

The award is his first of the season, and he becomes the fourth Wildcat to earn SEC Freshman of the Week honors since the SEC started the award in the 2006 season. Jodie Meeks received the honor three times in 2007, Patrick Patterson received it three times in 2008 and DeAndre Liggins was named Freshman of the Week once last season.

The Wildcats return to action tonight, hosting the Miami Redhawks. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. and the game will be televised live on the Big Blue Sports Network and Fox Sports South.