CoSIDA Release

GREENWOOD, Ind. - Zach Fischer has always been a terrific student, but 2017-18 has been about the redshirt-senior's coming out party as a player. On the court, Fischer has racked up 14 double-doubles in 25 games while averaging 17 points (seventh in the GLVC) and 9.8 rebounds (third) per contest. Off of it, the St. Louis native finished his undergrad in December of 2016 with a double major in accounting and finance (3.90 GPA) and has now turned his attention to a master's degree in accountancy (3.71 GPA so far). Because of those accolades, Fischer locked up a spot on the CoSIDA Academic All-District Team on Thursday afternoon.

"I am extremely proud of Zach for his achievements both on the court and in the classroom," said head coach, Chris Foster. "His work ethic has provided a great example for the young players in our program. He is the definition of student-athlete and has represented our basketball program and university in a first-class manner over the last five years."

Truman has now received the honor 16 times in its history, Fischer is the 10th different Bulldog on that list and first forward since Matt Beran was recognized for a second time in 2003-04. With Cory Myers earning the distinction last year, 2003-04 also marks the last time the Purple and White had an honoree in back-to-back seasons.

The 6-4 big man was joined in Division II's fourth district by Eric Davidson of Indianapolis (13 points/game), Alex Hagan of Rockhurst (9.6 points/game), Tate Hall of Indianapolis (16 points/game), and Alex Stein of Southern Indiana (17.9 points/game). Overall, those five were among 42 players in eight districts selected for Division II. All honorees now advance to the CoSIDA Academic All-America Team ballot with first-, second- and third-team Academic All-America honorees to be announced in March.

Not only is Fischer among the league's top 10 in both scoring and rebounding, his 64.3 field goal percentage stands alone at the top. In fact, that number is nearly three percent better than second place, is good for 10th in the country and would be the best mark in program history if the season ended right now. Nationally, the CBC product is also 13th in double-doubles, 25th in defensive rebounds per game (7.3), 27th in rebounds per game, and 32nd in total rebounds (246).

When it comes to the Midwest Region, Fischer ranks second in field goal percentage, tied for second in double-doubles, tied for fifth in rebounds per game, tied for fifth in total rebounds, sixth in defensive rebounds per game, 14th in offensive rebounds per game (2.6), tied for 15th in field goals made (157), 17th in points per game, 17th in free throw attempts (127), 19th in total points (426), and 21st in free throws made (89).

Fischer and the Bulldogs will play their final two games of the regular season on Thursday against William Jewell (7:30 p.m.) and Saturday vs. Illinois Springfield (3 p.m.). Fischer and fellow senior, Connor Lusso, will be recognized prior to tip against the Prairie Stars for Senior Day festivities.

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