Bushamuka Named SEC Player of the Week

LEXINGTON, Ky. – With the opening week of the 2016 season complete, the Kentucky Wildcats men’s tennis program has already earned weekly honors, as sophomore William Bushamuka earned the title of Southeastern Conference Player of the Week, as announced by the league office on Wednesday. 

The recognition marks Bushamuka’s first career SEC honor. 

“William had a great first two days of dual matches,” fifth season head coach Cedric Kauffman said. “When he stays focused and competes no matter what the score is through the match, he is one of the best players in the country. I’m really happy for him to earn this award.”

Bushamuka stood out while he led the team at the No. 1 singles position as UK downed No. 13 Duke for the largest upset in the SEC this season. A 6-2, 7-6 win over No. 12 Nicolas Alvarez on top court marked the biggest career win for the Princeton, N.J., native, with his previously highest ranked win coming over then-No. 49 Elliott Orkin from Florida last season. Bushamuka has won all three of his singles matchups during the dual season and has won six of his past seven singles competitions. He also has earned a 1-1 record this season in doubles play. 

Bushamuka has stepped in to UK’s top spot after playing primarily on the second court during his freshman campaign. Ranked 79th in singles in the Jan. 5 poll, he has a career record of 33-15 after a 9-3 dual record last year. 

UK resumes action on Saturday, Jan. 23 at the Boone Tennis Center, where the Wildcats will faceoff with the Michigan Wolverines. First serve is set for 1 p.m. 

For more information on the Kentucky men’s tennis team, follow @UKMensTennis on Twitter or Kentucky Men’s Tennis Team on Facebook.