March 23, 2012

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kentucky freshman Anthony Davis has been selected as the winner of the 2012 Adolph Rupp Award, annually presented to the National Player of the Year.

The Chicago, Ill., native has been named a first-team All-American, SEC Player of the Year, Freshman of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year. He is averaging 14.3 points and 10.1 rebounds per game en route to leading the Wildcats to a third-straight Sweet 16 appearance in the NCAA Tournament and a perfect 16-0 record in Southeastern Conference regular season action.

Davis is the second Kentucky player to ever win the award. John Wall received the honor at the conclusion of the 2010 season.

He has started all 36 games this season while shooting 63.6 percent from the field, which ranks as the third best in the nation. Davis also leads the nation in blocks (166). In 30 of the Wildcats’ 36 games, he has scored in double figures while recording 18 double-doubles. The 18 double-double efforts rank as the second-highest total in a single season by a UK freshman.

Davis will be presented with the trophy by the Commonwealth Athletic Club of Kentucky on Thursday, March 29th at 5:00 p.m. at the New Orleans Marriott (Salon D). The press conference and awards presentation are open to the public. For more information contact Ron Heiert at 859-866-2494 for assistance.

The Rupp Awards awarded by the Commonwealth Athletic Club of Kentucky, a non-profit organization established in 1972 by players and associates of former UK head coach Adolph Rupp. The awards are determined by a select national voting panel consisting of over 80 sportswriters, coaches and athletic directors representing every major Division I conference and all geographic regions of the country.