March 17, 2014

ST. LOUIS – Kentucky forward Julius Randleearned Freshman All-America honors by the United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) it was announced on Monday. Randle is the eighth Wildcat in the last five seasons to earn All-America distinction by the USBWA.

Randle joins Nerlens Noel (2013), Anthony Davis and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (2012), Terrence Jones and Brandon Knight (2011) and DeMarcus Cousins and John Wall (2010) to earn USBWA Freshman All-America accolades under the direction of John Calipari.

Randle is averaging team-highs in points per game (15.0) and rebounds per game (10.5) through 34 games this season. He’s logged 20 double-double efforts which ties Davis and Cousins for the most in a single-season in freshman history at Kentucky.

The Dallas native ranks third all-time in UK freshman single-season history with 358 rebounds and he topped Wall for the freshman record with 177 made free throws. His rebound total ranks 13th among any player in single-season history, while his made free throws is the sixth most in a single year in school history.

The 20 double-doubles paces the Southeastern Conference and ranks second nationally. He’s the only freshman in the country to have topped 15 or more double-doubles in 2014. He ranks fourth in single season history at Kentucky with the 20 double-doubles registered.

Kentucky returns to action on Friday, in the second round of the NCAA Tournament in St. Louis. UK will face Kansas State at approximately 9:40 p.m. ET. The game will air on CBS and Jim Nantz, Greg Anthony and Tracy Wolfson will have the call.