Dec. 2, 2013

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Freshman Aaron Harrison was named the Southeastern Conference’s Freshman of the Week it was announced by the league office on Monday. The honor is the first of the Richmond, Texas native’s career.

Harrison averaged 18.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game in two victories for Kentucky this week. He poured in a team-high 22 points and sunk nine free throws while adding a career-best seven boards vs. Eastern Michigan. He followed that performance with a 15-point, four-assist outing vs. Providence.

The shooting guard hit double-figure scoring before halftime in both victories. Harrison connected on a career-high seven field goals for a .778 percentage against Providence. His four assists against the Friars led the team and marked a career-best performance. Furthermore, he has hit at least one 3-pointer in four-straight games. UK hit a single-game record .750 from behind the arc against Providence.

Harrison is the third Wildcat this season to earn a conference weekly award. Classmate James Young earned Freshman of the Week accolades last week, while Julius Randle was tabbed the league’s Player of the Week following the opening week of the season.

Kentucky returns to action Friday in a doubleheader matchup with the women’s program at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas in a showdown with Baylor. Tipoff is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET and the game will air live on ESPN.