MOORHEAD Senior center Alex Novak is a biochemistry major who carries a 3.85 grade-point average and starts for the Minnesota State Moorhead mens basketball team.

The 6-foot-9 Novak also does cancer cell research in his spare time.

He has a built-in drive to do well at whatever he does, said Dragons head coach Chad Walthall. I think hes really a leader in everything he does.

Novak has developed into a force on the court and in the classroom at MSUM.

He was recently named to the Capitol One Academic All-America Division II first team.

Novak is the programs career leader in blocked shots (220) and rebounds (1,028). He is the second player in program history to reach 1,000 points (1,186) and 1,000 rebounds in a career.

Novak is averaging 13.1 points, 9.4 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game in his final season with MSUM, which hosts Southwest Minnesota State at 8 tonight in the first round of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference tournament.

Im proud Ive been able to balance basketball and academics fairly well, Novak said. Im not the best player and Im not the best student but I have reached my goals for the most part.

Novak has been doing cancer cell research since the beginning of his junior year. Its an extracurricular activity for Novak, who is already balancing the demands of being a full-time student and athlete.

Im not at home very often, said Novak, who is from Oxford, Iowa. I feel like Im at the gym or Im in class or Im in the lab.

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Novak has been a force on and off the court for Dragons