Men's Basketball News Releases

Handke named to ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District First Team

MOUNT VERNON - Cornell junior Chris Handke (Bellevue/Bellevue) has been named to ESPN The Magazine's Academic All-District men's basketball team.

Handke, a 6-foot-11 center, was chosen to the five-player first team in the District 7 College Division, which includes NCAA Division II and III and NAIA schools. He is now eligible for the Academic All-America Team, which is announced Feb. 25.

Handke, majoring in biochemistry and molecular biology, carries a 3.90 cumulative grade point average. He is a third-year letterwinner for the Rams, starting 19 of 21 games this season. Handke leads the Rams in field goal percentage (56.7), rebounds (6.2 rpg) and blocks (1.71 bpg). He averages 10.2 points per game, third on the team. 

With a five-block performance Wednesday against Coe, Handke became Cornell's single-season record holder for blocked shots with 36. He was named the Iowa Conference Men's Basketball Player of the Week for the period ending Feb. 1. Handke has helped guide the Rams to a 16-5 overall record, including an 8-3 mark in the IIAC.

Handke is this year's only IIAC men's basketball player to receive academic all-district recognition. 

The teams are selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America (COSIDA). To be eligible for consideration, a player must be a starter or important reserve, have completed one full calendar at the nominating institution and carry a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or better.

Handke, a 2006 graduate of Bellevue High School, is the son of James and Louan Handke, Bellevue.