Nick Richards, Tyrese Maxey earn Win USBWA National Honors

Following Kentucky’s massive victory over No. 3 Louisville this past weekend, two of the game’s biggest performers earned national honors. Junior center Nick Richards was named the Oscar Robertson National Player of the Week, while Tyrese Maxey was tabbed the Wayman Tisdale Freshman of the Week. Earlier this week, Richards and Maxey were also awarded for their standout performances vs. the Cardinals, with the former earning Co-Southeastern Conference Player of the Week honors and the latter being named SEC Freshman of the Week and NCAA March Madness National Player of the Week. According to UK Athletics, Richards is the sixth UK player to win the Oscar Robertson Player of the Week award since its inception during the 2009-10 season. He is the first since PJ Washington claimed the honor on Feb. 17 after he helped the Wildcats down No. 1 Tennessee. Other UK honorees include Kevin Knox (2017-18), Malik Monk (2016-17), Julius Randle (2013-14) and Doron Lamb (2010-11). Anthony Davis won the Oscar Robertson National Player of the Year honor in 2012. Maxey is the first winner of the Wayman Tisdale National Freshman of the Week honor since Tyler Herro won it on Jan. 2 following last season’s victory over Louisville. Other Wildcat winners include Kevin Knox during the 2017-18 season and Tyler Ulis and Karl-Anthony Towns during the historic 2014-15 season. It’s the first time Kentucky players have swept both USBWA awards since Knox won both honors on Jan. 30, 2018. Against Louisville, Richards logged his team-leading fifth double-double of the season and the sixth of his career, finishing with 13 points, ten rebounds, a blocked shot, and 11 drawn fouls. Maxey's 27 points vs. the No. 3 team in the country are the most by any player in the series since Louisville’s Damion Lee scored 27 on Dec. 26, 2015. They were also the most points by a UK player in the series since Jodie Meeks had 28 on Jan. 4, 2009, and the most ever by a Kentucky freshman in the rivalry. He added seven rebounds, one assist, and one steal. Maxey was named the Bluegrass Sports Commission Most Valuable Player for his performance