Lehigh University Athletics
Knutson named to Patriot League All-Academic Team
2/28/2011 10:12:00 PM | Men's Basketball
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Lehigh sophomore forward Gabe Knutson has been named to the first-ever Patriot League Men's Basketball All-Academic Team, as announced during the league's media teleconference on Monday. One of six honorees, Knutson maintains a 3.39 cumulative GPA in the classroom while serving as the Mountain Hawks' second leading scorer (and rebounder) on the court.
In its first year of existence across all sports, the team is in addition to the Scholar Athlete of the Year, which went to Army's Nathan Hedgecock. The Academic All-Patriot League Team honors additional student-athletes who excel, both on and off the court. Knutson and Hedgecock were joined on the team by Nick Hendra (American), Andrew Keister (Holy Cross), Mike Muscala (Bucknell) and Ryan Willen (Lafayette). The team normally has five student-athletes to equal the size of the All-Patriot League First Team, with an additional spot this year due to a tie in voting.
Knutson has excelled in the classroom, posting a 3.39 cumulative GPA, including 3.58 this past fall semester. He is currently undeclared, but is leaning towards either a Finance or Business major. Last season, Knutson was a member of the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll. He is also a recipient of Lehigh's Faculty Athletics Council Award all three semesters.
On the court, Knutson has been equally impressive. Last season, he was a member of the Patriot League All-Rookie Team after averaging 9.5 points and 5.6 rebounds per game to help lead Lehigh to a league title and NCAA Tournament appearance. He has continued to improve this year as he stands second on the team in both points (12.1) and rebounds (5.8) per game. He has also hit an impressive 49 percent (117-of-239) of his field goals attempts.
One highlight came on Sunday, Feb. 20 against Lafayette when he hit the game-winning shot with less than five seconds remaining to give Lehigh a 67-66 win over its archrival. Knutson also posted his first-career double-double against Wednesday's Patriot League Quarterfinal opponent Navy. He finished the Jan. 12 game with 18 points and a career-high 14 rebounds. Overall, Knutson has reached double figures in scoring in 34 of his 62 career games, starting all but two games in his career.
To be eligible for the Scholar-Athlete of the Year award and the Academic All-Patriot League Team, a student-athlete must have at least a 3.20 cumulative grade point average and be a starter or key player in his/her sport. Freshmen or students in their first academic year at their school are not eligible for the honor.
The Mountain Hawks now look ahead to the Patriot League Quarterfinals on Wednesday vs. Navy at Stabler Arena. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. Tickets are now on sale and may be purchased on Lehighsports.com or by calling the ticket office at (610) 7LU-GAME.
Men's Basketball Academic All-Patriot League Team*
Nathan Hedgecock, Army, Sr.
Nick Hendra, American, Sr.
Andrew Keister, Holy Cross, Sr.
Gabe Knutson, Lehigh, So.
Mike Muscala, Bucknell, So.
Ryan Willen, Lafayette, Jr.
* - Six student-athletes due to tie in voting
Nathan Hedgecock, Army, Sr.
Nick Hendra, American, Sr.
Andrew Keister, Holy Cross, Sr.
Gabe Knutson, Lehigh, So.
Mike Muscala, Bucknell, So.
Ryan Willen, Lafayette, Jr.
* - Six student-athletes due to tie in voting
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