Remember when the mayor of Indiana, Tom Henry, proclaimed March 28 as “John Konchar Day”? Very few athletes have a day dedicated to their achievements and one of them is John Konchar. March 28th is a day when his remarkable achievements and contributions to Purdue Fort Wayne basketball became widely celebrated. So come, let’s explore who Konchar is and his basketball acumen!

John Konchar isn’t just a kid from Chicago. He’s a testament to perseverance. John, also known as Jitty, was born on March 22, 1996, in West Chicago. Everyone who knows him understands how he loves basketball. During his junior year at West Chicago High School, he had his hands on the ball for the first time, quickly emerging as a standout player. He averaged 19.7 points and 8.8 rebounds, in his junior season. Despite a challenging 5–22 record, he led his team valiantly.

But he truly shined during his senior year as February 2014 became a memorable month for him. In a thrilling 89–82 victory over St. Charles North, he scored 45 points, also grabbed 15 rebounds, and dished out eight assists. This led him to become the school’s all-time leading scorer. How could such a talent go unnoticed?

Despite his remarkable high school success, the hooper faced limited recruitment. His only NCAA Division I offer came from Chicago State disappointingly. Fortunately, a Notre Dame assistant coach saw his potential and recommended him to Indiana University and Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW). On April 25, 2015, Konchar committed to IPFW, ready to defy the odds!

During his college career, he thrived through significant changes. He ultimately made history with the first triple-double in Summit League tournament history. What lay ahead for such a determined player?

John Konchar’s journey in the world of hoops

After going undrafted in 2019, Konchar signed with the Memphis Grizzlies in a two-way contract. Excitement filled the air as he prepared for his NBA debut. On November 9, he faced the Dallas Mavericks, eager to showcase his skills. But calamity struck days later as a calf strain sidelined him for weeks.

Determined to make an impact upon his return, Jitty joined the G League. In the 2019-20 season, he played for the Memphis Hustle. This was a critical time for his development and growth. Averaging 12.2 points, he shot an impressive 56.5% from the field.

He displayed his versatility with an average of 8.3 rebounds per game. Each game built his confidence and refined his skills and on November 22, 2020, the Grizzlies re-signed him to a multi-year deal. This was a clear sign they believed in him! May 11, 2021, marked his breakthrough moment. In a crucial victory, he secured 18 points, shooting 70%. His early career reached its defining moment on April 10, 2022. He achieved his first career triple-double, recording 17 points, 10 assists, and 13 rebounds.

Fans were dazzled as he electrified the arena with his energy. He signed a contract extension worth $19 million for three years, effective July 7, 2022. Throughout 72 games in the 2022-23 season, he maintained an average of 5.1 points. His shooting percentages kept getting better, solidifying him as a dependable choice.

What’s next for Jitty as he continues to evolve? Each game brings new opportunities and challenges. Despite his impressive rise, injuries have posed ongoing challenges for him. Konchar’s resilience shines through as he navigates the ups and downs.

Battling through the pain: Konchar’s journey with injuries

In the world of sports, there is no talent without injury. And injuries have plagued Konchar’s career, impacting his performance and minutes. In the latest blow, the hooper sprained his left ankle. This injury came after playing 17 minutes against the Lakers. He contributed four points, five rebounds, and four assists, but the sprain forced him to sit out the next couple of games.

From October 2023 until March 2024, he faced numerous setbacks. A heel injury sidelined him from March 24 to October 7, 2024. His journey included a series of ankle and muscle injuries. On February 16, 2024, he suffered another ankle injury, limiting his time. Before that, a calf injury kept him out from January 29 to February 1. These injuries seem to pile up, making recovery challenging.

Illness struck him multiple times in late 2023, affecting his game rhythm. A hip injury in early 2023 further tested his resilience. He battled through these challenges, but the struggle was real! Missing games can frustrate any athlete, and Konchar is no exception. His determination to return is admirable, yet the injuries persist. With each setback, he faces new hurdles in his career.

Despite these obstacles, he remains a valuable asset to the Grizzlies. And here is a positive update. Jitty is out of the 2024 NBA injury report. He had an impressive start to the 2024-25 season. In the preseason, he showcased versatility, averaging 5.8 points and 5.0 rebounds. His performances included a standout game with 8 points and 7 rebounds against the Bulls. And in their season opener against the Jazz, he scored 5 points with 100% shooting from the field and free throw line, while grabbing 5 rebounds and dishing out 1 assist.

As he is back, one question remains: Can he bounce back stronger this time? His journey, marked by determination and hard work, is inspiring. How will Konchar overcome these challenges and evolve as a player? His future with the Grizzlies depends on it!