Noel repeats as SEC Freshman of Week

Kentucky center Nerlens Noel has repeated as the Southeastern Conference's Freshman of the Week, the league announced Monday.

Kentucky's Nerlens Noel has repeated as the Southeastern Conference's Freshman of the Week.

The Wildcat center averaged nine pionts, 10.5 rebounds and seven blocked shots in games against Alabama and LSU. He rejected a career-high eight shots against the Crimson Tide and brought his season total to 83 with six more against the Tigers. That figure ranks second at UK for a single season behind Anthony Davis, who set the school record 186 last season.

While Noel's defense has gotten most of the attention, his offensive game has also been on the rise. His .629 field goal percentage leads the Wildcats.

The Everett, Mass., native is the first player in the conference to earn multiple honors this season. UK's other three freshmen -- Archie Goodwin, Alex Poythress and Willie Cauley-Stein -- have also won the award. Sophomore forward Kyle Wiltjer was also SEC Player of the Week earlier this season.

Kentucky (13.6, 4-2 SEC) returns to action Tuesday at surging Ole Miss (17-2, 6-0) in a 9 p.m. ET tipoff on ESPN.