How a lightly recruited college player became an NBA triple-double specialist
In short: In 2015, John Konchar was barely on the radar of Division I programs. Yet, through a complex series of university mergers and a relentless statistical climb, he transitioned from a single scholarship offer to a professional career defined by historic multi-category performances.
Konchar's journey began with limited recognition; his only NCAA Division I scholarship offer initially came from Chicago State. He eventually committed to Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW) on April 25, 2015. His collegiate tenure was marked by significant institutional shifts, as the IPFW athletic identity transitioned from the IPFW Mastodons to the Fort Wayne Mastodons, and finally to the Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons following the dissolution of the IPFW joint campus on June 30, 2018.
On the court, Konchar was a prolific scorer and playmaker. He became IPFW's all-time leading scorer with 2,065 career points. A historic milestone occurred on March 10, 2019, when he recorded 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists against South Dakota, marking the first triple-double in Summit League tournament history. Mayor Tom Henry designated March 28 as "John Konchar Day" due to his massive influence in Fort Wayne.
Konchar joined the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA after failing to be selected in the 2019 draft. He proved his versatility by recording his first career triple-double on April 10, 2022, against the Boston Celtics. On April 10, 2026, he and teammate Bez Mbeng made history as the first duo to both post bench-player triple-doubles during one game. Following trades involving the Grizzlies and the New York Knicks, Konchar's professional path has spanned multiple franchises.
His career is a testament to statistical consistency despite institutional and physical hurdles, including a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb that required surgery in December 2025.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: John Konchar
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