News and Notes: Sunday Edition

Below, some news and notes for Sunday...

• Jeff Foote (Cornell '10) and his Springfield Armor are back in action in the NBA D-League on Tuesday, March 27 at 7 pm in a home game against Maine. All NBA D-League games are available to view online at no charge via the D-League's Futurecast. Last night in action against Canton, while wearing pink uniforms to benefit breast cancer research, Foote scored 15 points and grabbed 9 rebounds. See the recap in the Springfield Republican. Foote is referred to as a possible New Jersey Nets call-up by NetsDaily.com. He is averaging 15.2 points and 8.7 rebounds per game in the D-League after being named a starter at the D-League's All-Star Game during February. As of today, Foote is ranked 4th in the D-League in double-doubles. He averaged 1.0 points and 1.5 rebounds per game in 4 games for the New Orleans Hornets during a 10-day contract between March 9 and March 19.

• The Pittsburgh Post Tribune recaps the Cager Classic All Star Game at Highlands High School in Natrona Heights, Pennsylvania and the performance of committed Cornell recruit, Nolan Cressler (Plum HS) Plum, PA, 6-4, G. The Tribune writes in part:

The much-anticipated matchup of two of the Alle-Kiski's all-time greats lived up to its billing Saturday night in the 16th annual Cager Classic boys all-star game. Plum's Nolan Cressler was an offensive force for the East team, turning in a record-setting, highlight-filled 38-point performance to earn MVP for his team. But Highlands' Micah Mason won MVP for the West, scoring 21 and dishing seven assists to lead the West to a fast-paced, 118-97 victory at a packed Highlands gym. ...The West used 3-pointers to stave off any East runs, embarking on a 15-3 run to take a 55-41 lead into halftime. The East could only cut it to eight the rest of the way and trailed by as many as 30 in the second half. Cressler, who broke Kittanning graduate Nathan Stolitza's single-game record of 34 points set last season, wanted to win. It seemed, at times, his teammates were watching him rather than their opponents. The Cornell recruit scored 23 of the East's 56 points in the second half. He had two thunderous dunks and drilled five 3s. "It feels crappy to lose," said Cressler, who hit 16 of 24 shots from the field. "It was fun, nevertheless. I just tried to get us back in the game." ..."Nolan just kept getting better and better over the years," [Plum's Tarique] Ellis said. "It was fun for me just to tag along and watch." Mason and Cressler have been picked to play in a second all-star game, the Roundball Classic next month at Geneva...

• There are two articles we omitted to post immediately following the season. First, CollegeHoopsMadness.com selected an All Ivy League team. Cornell's Chris Wroblewski (2nd Team), Drew Ferry (3rd Team) and Shonn Miller (4th Team, Rookie of the Year) were honored by the website. Second, the Ithaca Times pays tribute to Chris Wroblewski's career. The Times' Steve Lawrence writes:

I remember when Chris Wroblewski was introduced to the crowd at Newman Arena as a freshman.

He looked about 14, and as he took his place on the court amongst the rest of the Big Red starters, he seemed a little out of place. His teammates were coming off a season during which they ran the table in the Ivy League, putting up an in-your-face 14-0 record to win their first conference title in 20 years.

It immediately became clear that Steve Donahue knew what he had, as the kid who looked 14 saw the floor as if he were 24, and he made everyone around him better. With Loius Dale at the other guard position, Cornell would win the title that year, and again the next, putting together their now legendary 29-win, Sweet Sixteen season.

While Wroblewski was the new kid on the block when he arrived, a raw rookie surrounded by confident veterans, he spent his final two seasons as the Big Red’s elder statesman. The team looked to him whenever things got tough, and the battle-tested guard continued to deliver. Wroblewski knew that when Cornell graduated eight seniors, then saw Donahue take a job at Boston College, that he would be the one to assume the title of Floor General. There were other veterans on the team, some with another year of experience under their belts, but it was Wroblewski who had been a starter and key player since he first put on the Number 3.

Wroblewski probably knew there was a good chance he would not see the Big Dance again after the Great Eight graduated, but he continued to play hard and put up numbers. On Friday night, his 471st career assist put him one ahead of Louis Dale, and the significance of surpassing a player like Dale was not lost on Wroblewski, who said, “It’s an honor to be mentioned with some of the best players ever to wear the Cornell uniform.”

Friday night’s win against Dartmouth would be Wroblewski’s last at Cornell (http://cornellbigred.com/index.aspx?path=mbball). On As I look forward to next season, I am encouraged by some of what I see. Junior big man Eitan Chemerinski caught fire in a couple of stretches, bringing a complete package of offense, defense and fire in the belly. Freshman Shonn Miller is a gifted athlete, and with some weight training and confidence building, will be a force. I still don’t know who will be the sharpshooter(s) next year, but the frontcourt looks solid.

Cornell also said adios and gracias to Max Groebe, Drew Ferry and Anthony Gatlin on Saturday. I am particularly impressed with the attitude and perseverance of Gatlin, who saw his first playing time of the season on Friday. Given that these guys are carrying an Ivy League course load, finding the time to commit to a varsity sport is no small task, and I tip my hat to anyone who hangs in there despite not getting significant playing time. That takes a lot of character.

Miller Named Ivy Rookie of the Year; Wroblewski, Gray Also Honored

Miller Named Ivy Rookie of the Year; Wroblewski, Gray Also Honored
Cornell Athletics

ITHACA, N.Y. -- Cornell freshman Shonn Miller has been named the 2012 Ivy League Rookie of the Year and senior Chris Wroblewski, the 2009 conference rookie of the year, closed his career with a first-team all-league nod when the All-Ivy League teams were announced on Wednesday afternoon. Additionally, junior Johnathan Gray was named honorable mention All-Ivy.

The All-Ivy League team is selected by a vote of the conference's eight head coaches.

"I'm excited for Shonn, Chris and Johnathan for being recognized for their performances this season," said Bill Courtney, the Robert E. Gallagher '44 Head Coach of Cornell Basketball. "For Shonn, he had a good rookie season and I expect this will provide him even more motivation to work on his game during the offseason. Chris was our steady leader, and his play in conference games made him more than deserving of being named first-team all-conference. Johnathan really emerged in Ivy play as one of the conference's elite athletes and ranked among the conference scorers. His story is one of perseverance and dedication, and we're fortunate to have both him and Shonn back next year as we continue our climb up the Ivy League standings."

Miller, who becomes the seventh Cornellian to take home Ivy League Rookie of the Year honors and the third in the last seven years, established new Cornell freshman records for rebounds (170) and blocked shots (46) while taking home the conference's Rookie of the Week honor five times. He also ranked among the top 10 freshman scorers in school history with 250 points. The 6-7 freshman ranked eighth in the Ivy League in rebounding and steals and was second in blocks.

Miller ended the season averaging 8.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.7 blocks and 1.3 steals per game while starting in 21 of the team's 28 contests. He shot 44 percent from the floor, including 51 percent from inside the 3-point arc. Miller had three double-doubles, five double digit rebounding games and nine contests in double figure scoring.

Wroblewski, a three-time All-Ivy selection and two-time Capital One Academic All-American, graduates as the school's all-time career leader in assists (482) and a 1,000-point scorer (1,202 points - 13th all-time). A two-year captain, Wroblewski is a three-year starter who played on a pair of Ivy League championship teams, including the 2009-10 squad that advanced to the Sweet 16.

Wroblewski ended his career ranked fourth in career 3-point field goals made (189), fifth in 3-point percentage (.414), ninth in free-throw percentage (.823), ninth in steals (139) and 10th in free throws made (279). His 119 games played ranked second all-time among Cornellians, and his 3,594 minutes played sits third.

As a senior, Wroblewski led the team in scoring (11.5 ppg.) and was third in the Ivy League in assists (5.3 apg.) and second in steals (1.6 spg.). He was twice been named Ivy League Player of the Week during his career, including once as a senior. Wroblewski became just the second player in Cornell history to surpass 1,000 points, 400 assists, 300 rebounds and 100 steals, joining All-American and Ivy Player of the Year Louis Dale, his former backcourt mate.

Gray was the conference's sixth-leading scorer in Ivy League games (12.3 ppg.) and for the season posted 8.8 points, 3.1 rebounds and 0.8 steals per game. He started 17 of the team's 28 games. Gray, a former walk-on, hit for double figures 12 times with two 20-point games, including a career-high 29 points in a win over Yale. He also scored 20 points in a victory over Dartmouth. He recorded 18 points against Patriot League regular season champion Bucknell and had 14 points against Ivy champion Harvard.

The Big Red improved on its 2010-11 win totals both overall and in conference play this past season, ending the year 12-16 (7-7 Ivy League) in the second year under Courtney. Cornell will return three starters and 10 letter winners next season.

Player of the Year
*Zack Rosen, Penn (Sr., G, Colonia, N.J.)

Rookie of the Year
Shonn Miller, Cornell (Fr., F, Euclid, Ohio)

Defensive Player of the Year
Reggie Willhite, Yale (Sr., G/F, Elk Grove, Calif.)

First Team All-Ivy^
Brian Barbour, Columbia (Jr., G, Alamo, Calif.)
Chris Wroblewski, Cornell (Sr., G, Highland Park, Ill.)
Kyle Casey, Harvard (Jr., F, Medway, Mass.)
*Zack Rosen, Penn (Sr., G, Colonia, N.J.)
*Ian Hummer, Princeton (Jr., F, Vienna, Va.)
Greg Mangano, Yale (Sr., C, Orange, Conn.)

Second Team All-Ivy
Sean McGonagill, Brown (So., G, Brookfield, Ill.)
Brandyn Curry, Harvard (Jr., G, Huntersville, N.C.)
Keith Wright, Harvard (Sr., F, Suffolk, Va.)
Douglas Davis, Princeton (Sr., G, Philadelphia)
Reggie Willhite, Yale (Sr., G/F, Elk Grove, Calif.)

Honorable Mention All-Ivy
Johnathan Gray, Cornell (Jr., G, Tampa, Fla.)
Rob Belcore, Penn (Sr., G, Lake Forest, Ill.)

* Unanimous Selection
^ Expanded to six players due to tie in voting

Wroblewski Academic All American

Wroblewski Named To Capital One Academic All-America Third Team
Cornell Athletics

* Capital One/CoSIDA Academic All-America Team

ITHACA, N.Y. -- Cornell senior men's basketball player Chris Wroblewski has been named to the Capital One Academic All-America third team as selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). Wroblewski is the first-ever Big Red basketball player to earn Academic All-America honors twice in a career and is one of two Ivy League players on this year's list (Brown's Matt Sullivan - third team).

One of just three repeat selections among the 15 Academic All-Americans, Wroblewski is one of just four Cornell players to earn the top academic honor in college basketball.

Wroblewski's honor makes it four Cornellians to earn Academic All-America accolades in the last six seasons. Jeff Gaca (third team in 1993), Lenny Collins (third team in 2006), Graham Dow (first team in 2007) and Wroblewski (third team in 2011) also have made the cut.

A two-time preseason candidate for the Bob Cousy Award as the nation's top point guard, Wroblewski enters his final road weekend in conference play within shouting distance of becoming the school's career assist leader. A two-time All-Ivy pick, he was Ivy League Rookie of the Year in 2009. A two-year captain, Wroblewski is a three-year starter who played on a pair of Ivy League championship teams, including the 2009-10 squad that advanced to the Sweet 16.

He enters his final four collegiate games ranked 15th on the school's career scoring list (1,137 points) and second in assists (463). Wroblewski also stands fifth in career 3-point field goals made (182) and 3-point percentage (.416), eighth in free-throw percentage (.825), ninth in steals (135) and 14th in free throws made (259).

As a senior, Wroblewski ranks second on the team in scoring (10.8 ppg.) and stands third in the Ivy League in assists (5.3 apg.) and second in steals (1.7 spg.). He has twice been named Ivy League Player of the Week during his career, including once this season. He is just the second player in Cornell history to surpass 1,000 points, 400 assists, 300 rebounds and 100 steals, joining former All-American and Ivy Player of the Year Louis Dale, his former backcourt mate.

Wroblewski has posted a 3.66 grade point average in Applied Economics and Management and was a candidate for the Lowe's Senior Class Award.

Wroblewski and Chemerinski Academic All District

Cornell's Chris Wroblewski and Eitan Chemerinski have been named to the 2012 Capital One Academic All District Team. The Ivy League Office notes:

PRINCETON, N.J. -- Brown junior guard Matt Sullivan, Cornell junior forward Eitan Chemerinski and senior guard Chris Wroblewski and Yale seniors guard Austin Morgan and guard/forward Reggie Willhite were named to the 2011-12 Capital One Academic All-District® Men's Basketball Teams, selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).

Recognized among the nation's top student-athletes for their combined performance on the floor and in the classroom, these five Ivies were selected to the men's basketball first team in District 1 and have advanced to the national Capital One Academic All-America® Team ballot, where First, Second and Third Team All-America honorees will be selected later this month.

And the release from Cornell Athletics:

Chemerinski, Wroblewski Named To Academic All-District Team

ITHACA, N.Y. – A pair of Cornell men's basketball players have been named to the Capital One/CoSIDA Academic All-District 1 first-team it was announced today. The duo are among five Ivy League players who are now eligible for Academic All-America honors. It is the third straight nod for Wroblewski, who earned second-team Academic All-America honors a season ago, and the first time on the squad for Chemerinski.

A two-time All-Ivy League selection and former conference rookie of the year, Wroblewski ranks among the school's career leaders in assists (second, 438), 3-point field goals made (fifth, 172) and 3-point percentage (fifth, .410), free throw percentage (ninth, .820), steals (10th, 125) and points (20th, 1,057). He also is third in career games played in a Big Red uniform (109), eighth in minutes played (3,257) and 10th in games started (83). A member of two Ivy League championship and NCAA tournament teams, the two-year captain was a nominee for both the Bob Cousy and Lowe's Senior Class Award. He currently leads the team and ranks third in the Ivy League in assists (5.4 apg.) and steals (1.7 spg.), while ranking second on the Big Red in scoring (9.9 ppg.) and rebounding (4.5 rpg.). Earlier this season, Wroblewski became the second Cornellian to reach 1,000 points, 400 assists, 300 rebounds and 100 steals, joining former All- American and Ivy League Player of the Year Louis Dale '10. He hit the game-winning 3-pointer with 5.6 seconds left in overtime against Albany, had 21 points vs. American and notched 19 points, five assists and five rebounds against Columbia. Wroblewski has recorded a 3.66 grade point average in Applied Economics and Management.

Chemerinski has emerged in the post as a junior for the Big Red, surpassing his career totals in points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks while shooting a Cornell record .658 from the floor. The 6-8 Chemerinski is averaging 6.7 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game in just 16.5 minutes per outing while starting 13 of the team's 18 contests. Chemerinski has shot better than 50 percent in 15 of the team's 18 games and has reached double figures in scoring five times in 2011-12. Away from the court, Chemerinski has posted a 3.87 grade point average in Applied Economics and Management.

The Big Red return to action at No. 23 Harvard on Friday, Feb. 3 at 7 p.m. at Lavietes Pavilion in Cambridge, Mass.

District 1 Winners
NCAA Division I
FIRST TEAM
Logan Aronhalt	ALBANY, UNIVERSITY AT	VIII	Jr.	Zanesville, Ohio	3.78	Human Biology
Matthew Sullivan	BROWN UNIVERSITY	VIII	Jr.	Wilmette, IL	4.0	Economics
Reggie Willhite	YALE UNIVERSITY	VIII	Sr.	Elk Grove, Calif.	3.39	Political science
Chris Wroblewski	CORNELL UNIVERSITY	VIII	Sr.	Highland Park, Ill.	3.66	Applied Economics and Management
Eitan Chemerinski	CORNELL UNIVERSITY	VIII	Jr.	Potomac, Md.	3.87	Applied Economics and Management
Austin Morgan	YALE UNIVERSITY	VIII	Jr.	Reno, Nev.	3.33	Architecture
Andrew Rogers	MAINE, UNIVERSITY OF ORONO	VIII	Sr.	Philadelphia, Pa.	3.86	Kinesiology and Physical Education

Wroblewski Named Candidate For Lowe's Senior Class Award

Wroblewski Named Candidate For Lowe's Senior Class Award

Cornell Athletics

* View Wroblewski's Bio on the Lowe's Senior Class page

ITHACA, N.Y. -- Senior guard Chris Wroblewski has been named one of 30 finalists for the Lowe's Senior Class Award it was announced today by the committee. To be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must be classified as an NCAA Division I senior and have notable achievements in four areas of excellence – community, classroom, character and competition. He joins Penn's senior guard Zack Rosen as the only Ivy League players on the list.

An acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School, the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award focuses on the total student-athlete and encourages students to use their platform in athletics to make a positive impact as leaders in their communities.

The 2011-12 candidate class includes three men's players who were members of last year's CoSIDA Academic All-American team (including Wroblewski), one Associated Press All-American and seven players who are on teams ranked in the Associated Press preseason top 25 poll. From the list of 30 candidates, a national media committee will select 10 finalists for the 2011-12 Lowe's Senior CLASS Award in late January. Those 10 names will then be placed on the official ballot for a nationwide vote. Fan balloting will be coupled with votes from coaches and media to determine the recipient of the award. Lowe's, an official Corporate Partner of the NCAA, will announce the men's Senior CLASS Award winner during the 2012 NCAA Men's Final Four, which will be held March 31 and April 2 in New Orleans.

Wroblewski was a third-team Capital One Academic All-American as a junior and has twice been named to the academic all-district team. The two-year team captain has been involved in numerous charitable endeavors and has been a four-year starter on the court. His teams have won two Ivy titles and is a two-year member of the Bob Cousy Award Watch List as the nation's top point guard. A second-team All-Ivy pick as a junior, he was the conference's leader in steals and was second in assists and assist-to-turnover ratio and sixth in scoring. He has twice led the conference in 3-point field-goal percentage.

Wroblewski and his Big Red teammates open the 2011-12 season when they visit St. Bonaventure on Friday, Nov. 11 at 7 p.m.