UF MBK: Kugel Named SEC Freshman of the Week

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Riley Kugel earned SEC Freshman of the Week honors after helping the Gators to wins against Georgia and LSU last week, the Southeastern Conference announced on Monday.

A 6-foot-5, 207-pound guard from Orlando, Fla., Kugel averaged 20 points, 4.5 rebounds, and two assists in the wins. Kugel posted 19 points on 8-for-12 shooting against Georgia and added 21 points with a 4-for-7 day from the 3-point line vs. LSU.

Kugel has posted eight straight double-figure scoring games, the longest streak in SEC play for a Florida freshman since Bradley Beal (10, 2011-12). He is averaging 18.3 points over that eight-game span and averaged 21.0 per game over the last four games of the regular season. Kugel has led the Gators in scoring in four of the five games since Colin Castleton’s injury.

Kugel and the Gators open SEC Tournament action in Nashville at 1 p.m. Eastern on Thursday vs. Mississippi State.