Florida basketball's Micah Handlogten earns 2026 Lt. Fred Koss Award

Florida basketball's postseason run may have ended prematurely, but there is still some good news coming out of Gainesville for the Gators' hoops program. Senior Micah Handlogten, a 7-foot-1-inch center who came off the bench to supplement arguably the best frontcourt in the nation, became the 48th recipient of the Lt. Fred Koss Award on Monday.

The honor — named after an Air Force fighter pilot killed during a combat mission during the Vietnam War — is in its 52nd year, and recognizes those whose contributions embody the ideals of selfless courage and conviction in the program's pursuit of success. "In my opinion, Micah is the most unselfish basketball player to ever play at the University of Florida and exemplifies the ideals of this most prestigious Florida Basketball Award," head coach Todd Golden noted. The head coach was not the only member of staff to have big words about the big man.

"Micah Handlogten is a genuine, selfless, and winning player who embodies everything that is a Florida Gator," associate head coach Carlin Hartman stated. "Taking off his redshirt to join our team last season in a run to a conference title, as well as the national championship, tells you everything about the type of player and human being Micah is! I'm forever proud to be associated with Micah!

" Frontcourt teammate Thomas Haugh also offered, "Micah is the most unselfish person I know, and he inspires us daily with his positive attitude and work ethic. " Handlogten has spent three seasons in Gainesville after starting his career with the Marshall Thundering Herd, and has been through some highs and lows with the team. The nadir came during the 2024 SEC Tournament finals, when he suffered a gruesome leg fracture that put him on a lengthy recovery timeline.