Cauley-Stein Named First Team All-America by USBWA

Kentucky men’s basketball’s Willie Cauley-Stein has been named First Team All-America by the United States Basketball Writers Association.

Cauley-Stein was named a First Team All-American by the Sporting News last week.

                                                                             
The 7-0 junior from Olathe, Kan., has been one of the leading contributors throughout Kentucky’s 34-0 season so far. He averages 9.3 points per game to go with 6.4 rebounds.

He’s also been a key figure on the defensive end of the floor, leading UK in steals (44) while ranking second in blocked shots on the nation’s top-ranked field-goal percentage defense.

He was named the USBWA's District IV Player of the Year, was a First Team All-SEC selection and SEC Defensive Player of the Year last week. He also earned SEC Tournament Most Valuable Player.

In seven wins over ranked opponents he averaged team highs in points (11.6) and rebounds (8.4).

Averaging 25.5 minutes per game as part of UK’s platoon system, Cauley-Steins numbers are more impressive when viewed on a pro-rated basis per 40-minute game as he averaged 14.6 points, 10.1 rebounds 2.6 blocks and 2.0 steals.

Capable of guarding all five positions, Cauley-Stein is the only 7-footer in the country to rank in the top 215 nationally in steals per game.

Earlier this season, Cauley-Stein became the first player in school history to collect 200 or more career blocks and 100 or more career steals. He's also one of just eight players in program history 500 or more rebounds, 100 or more blocks, and 75 or more steals.

The NCAA recognizes the Sporting News, AP, NABC and USBWA All-America teams in considering consensus All-Americans.

Also, Willie Cauley-Stein is the first UK player to be named USBWA First Team All-America since Anthony Davis in 2012.