Feb. 4, 2013

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Freshman Nerlens Noel earned Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Week accolades for the third-consecutive week following another impressive week of play.

Noel averaged 10.5 points, 10.5 rebounds and seven blocks in wins at Ole Miss and at Texas A&M. Noel began the week with a 12-block performance in an upset of No. 16 Ole Miss. The 12 rejections set a new single-game record for Kentucky and ranks as the third-most ever for an SEC player.

He followed that defensive-gem with a breakout offensive outing in an overtime victory at Texas A&M. He logged a career-high 19 points and earned his third double-double of the season with 14 rebounds. The 14 rebounds ranks as the second most in a single game in his career, and the most against an SEC foe. His .700 field goal clip also ranked as the best on the team.

The SEC honor is the third of his career after winning the award the last two weeks. He’s the first player since John Wall in the 2010 season to earn the award three straight weeks. Wall was named SEC Freshman of the week four straight times that season.

Kentucky returns to the floor when it begins a two-game stretch at home. UK begins the run with a date against South Carolina on Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET on ESPNU.