Nov. 5, 2013

ST. LOUIS – University of Kentucky freshman Julius Randle was among 15 players selected for the U.S. Basketball Writers Association watch list for the 2013-14 Oscar Robertson Trophy honoring the nation’s top player.

Randle averaged 18.5 points and 11.5 rebounds in UK’s two exhibition victories. The freshman from Dallas, notched a double-double in both games and added three combined assists while shooting .682 from the floor. This watch list honor is the second in as many days for Randle, who was among four Wildcats to earn selection to the watch list for the USBWA’s Wayman Tisdale Award honoring the nation’s top freshman.

Members of the association’s board of directors chose the players to be included on the list as contenders for the trophy. In mid-March, the USBWA will announce its 2013-14 All-America Team and, at that time, finalists will also be chosen for the player of the year. Once finalists are announced, the entire USBWA membership will vote for the winner of the Oscar Robertson Trophy.

In 2012, Anthony Davis became the first-ever Kentucky recipient of the Oscar Robertson Trophy. Michigan’s Trey Burke took home the honor in 2013.

Randle and the Wildcats open regular season action on Friday. UK hosts UNC Asheville at 7 p.m. ET in Rupp Arena to officially tip off the 2013-14 season.