Dec. 31, 2013

LEXINGTON, Ky. – UK freshman James Young is the Wayman Tisdale National Freshman of the Week for games ending the week of Dec. 29. Young was selected by CBSSports.com’s Jeff Borzello, in partnership with the U.S. Basketball Writers Association.

Young poured in a team-high 18 points while adding career-bests in rebounds (10) and assists (4) in a 73-66 victory over No. 6 Louisville on Saturday. He registered his first career double-double effort with the team-high tying tally of boards, while the four assists also ranked as a team best.

With the game tied at 53, Young hit a layup to spark a 13-3 Kentucky spurt and put the game away for the Cats over their instate rival.

For the season, Young has knocked down at least one 3-pointer in all but two games this season and multiple 3’s in eight games including the win over Louisville. Through 13 games, Young has connected for 29 long-range shots a mark that ranks 11th in program history for a freshman. He’s also poured in 179 points thus far which is the 52nd most by any UK freshman in program history.

Young was also named ESPN.com National Player of the Week by Andy Katz while also receiving SEC Freshman of the Week honors as well as the UK-UofL game’s Most Valuable Player Award by the Bluegrass Sports Commission.