John Konchar Bio
John Konchar, nicknamed “Jitty,” is an American professional basketball player for the Memphis Grizzlies of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Born on March 22, 1996, in West Chicago, Illinois, he played college basketball for the Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons. Standing 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 209 pounds, Konchar plays the shooting guard position and has earned a reputation as a dependable role player since entering the league.
After going undrafted in the 2019 NBA draft, Konchar signed a two-way contract with the Memphis Grizzlies and has remained with the organization since. Across his professional career, he has been recognized for his rebounding, defensive versatility, and efficient shooting from beyond the arc.
Early Life and Background
John Konchar was born and raised in West Chicago, Illinois. He grew up in the western suburbs of Chicago and developed his basketball skills through local programs before reaching the high school level. His surname and family heritage reflect Czech, Hungarian, and Serbian roots, giving him a multicultural background that shaped his upbringing.
Konchar attended West Chicago High School, where he emerged as one of the most productive players in program history. In his junior season, he averaged 19.7 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and two steals per game, leading his team in most major statistical categories despite the team’s 5–22 record.
During his senior season, Konchar elevated his game further. On February 27, 2014, he posted 45 points, 15 rebounds, eight assists, five steals, and five blocks in an 89–82 win over St. Charles North High School. That performance made him the all-time leading scorer at West Chicago High School, surpassing his own head coach and 1983 graduate Bill Recchia. He averaged 28.9 points, 14.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 3.2 steals, and 2.5 blocks per game as a senior, earning All-Area MVP honors.
Path to Basketball
Despite his dominant high school production, Konchar was lightly recruited. His only NCAA Division I scholarship offer came from Chicago State. A Notre Dame assistant coach convinced Indiana University – Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW), then a joint campus of the Indiana University and Purdue University systems, to offer him a basketball scholarship. On April 25, 2015, Konchar committed to IPFW.
During his college career, the IPFW athletic program underwent significant change. In his freshman season, the program was known as the IPFW Mastodons. Between his freshman and sophomore seasons, IPFW rebranded to the Fort Wayne Mastodons. After his sophomore year, the IU and Purdue systems dissolved IPFW, with the athletic department becoming part of the new Purdue University Fort Wayne.
As a senior, Konchar averaged 19.5 points, 8.6 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and two steals per game, earning first-team All-Summit League honors for his fourth consecutive season. He compiled 2,065 career points and left as the program’s all-time leading scorer. On March 10, 2019, he recorded 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 96–70 victory over South Dakota in the 2019 Summit League tournament, producing the first triple-double in tournament history. The mayor of Fort Wayne later proclaimed March 28 as “John Konchar Day.”
John Konchar Career
Early Career (2019–2020)
After going undrafted in the 2019 NBA draft, Konchar signed a two-way contract with the Memphis Grizzlies. He made his NBA debut on November 9, 2019, against the Dallas Mavericks. His first season was interrupted when he suffered a calf strain on November 15, 2019, sidelining him for several weeks.
Despite the setback, Konchar continued to develop his game and contribute in a limited role. His work on the two-way contract allowed the Grizzlies to evaluate his potential while he split time between the NBA roster and the G League affiliate.
Memphis Grizzlies Breakthrough (2020–2022)
On November 22, 2020, the Grizzlies announced that they had re-signed Konchar to a multi-year contract, signaling the organization’s belief in his long-term potential. On May 11, 2021, Konchar logged a season-high 18 points on 7-of-10 shooting from the field and 2-of-4 from three, along with six rebounds and three assists, in 26 minutes during a 133–104 win over the Dallas Mavericks.
During the Grizzlies’ regular season finale on April 10, 2022, Konchar recorded his first career triple-double with 17 points, ten assists, and 13 rebounds in a 110–139 loss to the Boston Celtics. The performance highlighted his all-around skill set and value as a connector on the floor.
Memphis Grizzlies Era (2022–Present)
On July 7, 2022, Konchar signed a 3-year, $19 million contract extension with the Grizzlies, securing his place in the team’s long-term plans. On November 18, 2022, he scored a career-high 19 points, alongside ten rebounds and two assists, in a 121–110 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder.
His continued production and consistency earned him an important role within Memphis’s rotation. He remained a reliable contributor through subsequent seasons, valued for his defensive effort and floor spacing.
Driving Style and Strengths
Konchar is known for his strong rebounding from the guard position, efficient three-point shooting, and high basketball IQ. His willingness to do the little things, including setting screens, diving for loose balls, and defending multiple positions, has made him a favorite among coaches and teammates.
Notable Events and Milestones
Key milestones in Konchar’s career include becoming the all-time leading scorer at West Chicago High School, recording the first triple-double in Summit League tournament history, logging his first NBA triple-double in April 2022, and signing a $19 million contract extension with the Grizzlies.
John Konchar Career Wins
John Konchar has notched several signature performances throughout his professional career with the Memphis Grizzlies. While he is not primarily known as a high-volume scorer, his impact shows up in rebounding, assists, and timely shooting.
Memphis Grizzlies Highlights
Konchar has delivered multiple double-digit scoring efforts for the Grizzlies, including a season-high 18 points against the Dallas Mavericks in 2021 and a career-high 19 points against the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2022. He also produced his first career triple-double against the Boston Celtics in April 2022.
Other Wins and Performances
At the collegiate level, Konchar was a four-time first-team All-Summit League selection and a member of the Summit League All-Newcomer Team in 2016. He finished his Purdue Fort Wayne career as the program’s all-time leading scorer with 2,065 points.
John Konchar Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Konchar is of Czech, Hungarian, and Serbian descent. His family ties to the West Chicago community have been a steady presence throughout his life and career.
Personal Life
John Konchar continues to reside in the United States, where he has built his professional basketball career with the Memphis Grizzlies.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season brought an early challenge for Konchar. On December 15, 2025, it was announced that he would miss at least three weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb. The injury forced him to step away from the rotation during a critical stretch of the schedule.
Before the injury, Konchar had continued to serve as a dependable role player for the Grizzlies, contributing rebounds, assists, and perimeter defense. His absence placed additional responsibility on Memphis’s bench unit as the team navigated the middle portion of the season.
Looking ahead, Konchar’s expected return within several weeks positions him to rejoin the rotation and continue providing the kind of versatile, team-first play that has defined his NBA career.