Feb. 11, 2013

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Freshman Nerlens Noel has been named the Southeastern Conference’s Freshman of the Week for the fourth-consecutive week it was announced Monday afternoon.

Noel helped lead UK to a pair of wins at home this week to run the Wildcats’ winning streak to five games. Noel logged double-doubles in both outings and has now put together a career-long three-game double-double streak.

The Everett, Mass., native had 10 points and 10 boards in a win over South Carolina to couple with five blocks. Against Auburn, he logged 10 points on a career-best 8-for-13 day at the free throw line to go along with a game-high 12 rebounds. He continued his streak of at least one block in every game this season, while also logging at least six rebounds in every game this season as well.

With the six blocks this week, Noel has now amassed 103 for the season. He’s just the second player in UK history to top the century mark for rejections in a season joining Anthony Davis in the feat. Noel also ranks third all-time in SEC history for blocks in a season by a freshman trailing only Davis and LSU’s Shaquille O’Neal.

The SEC honor is the fourth of his career after winning the award in each of the previous three weeks. He’s the first player since John Wall in the 2009-10 season to earn the award in four consecutive weeks.

No. 25 Kentucky returns to the floor when it hits the road for a two-game stretch. UK begins the run with a date against No. 7 Florida on Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN.