Dec. 9, 2002

LEXINGTON, Ky. – University of Kentucky men’s basketball junior Gerald Fitch was named the Southeastern Conference Player of the week on Monday, Dec. 9, after leading UK to wins over High Point and No. 12 North Carolina last week.

Fitch recorded back-to-back career highs last week – 18 against High Point, 25 against No. 12 North Carolina – in leading the Wildcats to consecutive wins, earning Player of the Week honors for the first time in his career.

Fitch shot 68.2% from the field for the week and 75.0% from three-point range against the two teams. Against High Point, he totaled a career-high six assists as well. Against UNC, he scored 16 of his 25 in the decisive second half as UK rallied from a 43-40 halftime deficit.

Fitch, a two-guard, is playing out of his normal position at point guard in the absence of 2002 starter Cliff Hawkins. His turnover ratio this season is 18 assists vs. seven turnovers. For the season, he’s averaging a career-best 15.8 ppg, 3.2 rpg and 3.6 apg.