Randle SEC’s top freshman

Published 1:33 am Tuesday, March 18, 2014

ATLANTA (AP) — After an unbeaten run through the Southeastern Conference, top-ranked Florida reaped its rewards Monday.

Scottie Wilbekin was picked as The Associated Press Southeastern Conference player of the year, while Billy Donovan took the coaching honor for the second season in a row.

Kentucky freshman Julius Randle was selected as newcomer of the year.

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The AP awards were announced one day after Florida defeated Kentucky 61-60 in the championship game of the SEC tournament. The Gators (32-2) were named top overall seed in the NCAAs and will open against either Albany or Mount St. Mary’s in the South Regional.

Wilbekin and Randle were unanimous choices to the All-SEC first team, joined by Tennessee forward Jarnell Stokes, Florida forward Casey Prather and Missouri guard Jabari Brown.

The 6-foot-9 Randle led the conference in rebounding (10.5 a game) and ranked 10th in scoring (15.0).